Instead of overprotecting your child from their fears, it is healthier to help them in learning how to face and deal with their anxiousness. Here are some ways in which you can help your child deal with their anxiety.
Avoid re-enforcing their fears: Sometimes components of anxiety are genetic and learned. In that case, as a parent you might tend to say, "Maybe this is something you are supposed to be scared of". Instead of affirming their fears, it is more helpful when you can convey confidence in your children in anxiety-provoking situations.
Reduce the anticipation as much as possible: When your child is afraid to do something, they will most likely be anxious before doing it. Therefore, in such a case, it is advisable to not inform your child too early about it. Studies say that it is helpful when kids feel like there isn't much preparation time, as they don't have enough time to ruminate about it.
Offer constant encouragement: Constantly appreciating your child for all the hard work that they put in is very important. Encouragement and acknowledgment will help your child come to terms with its fears. They should be aware that the more they tolerate their anxiety, it is a step in diminishing their fears and anxiety for the future.
Refrain from trying to eliminate their anxiety: While helping your child manage their anxiety, remember that they have to learn to tolerate their anxiety, which will eventually diminish with time. Anxiety can also be helpful at times. For example, when we are in the middle of a road and face a near-accident situation, it is our anxiety that helps us pull ourselves back and save ourselves from an accident. So likewise, even your child should be aware about helpful and unhelpful anxiety.
Express realistic positive emotions: It is not ideal to promise your child that whatever they fear is not going to happen. For example, if they fear failing a test, it is likely that they might actually fail the test. So, what's more important is to encourage them to have confidence in themselves that whatever happens they will have the courage to manage it.
Don't empower their feelings, however, do respect them: Once again, it is important to be empathetic towards their fears, while encouraging them to face it. For example, you as a parent is meant to encourage your child to visit the doctor, even if they are scared to do so. Phrases like, "I know you are scared of this, but I also know that you can handle this," can be used.
Don't avoid things and situations just because they make your child anxious: Your child may be anxious about many daily necessary activities. In such a case, making them run away or avoid these situations won't help them to come out of their anxiety. This will establish the idea in your child's mind that they are incapable of handling those situations.
Initiate healthy conversations: Sometimes it is important to just talk with your child and ask them how they are going to handle a situation that they fear, if it comes true. In this way, while facing their fear, they will also devise a plan with your help.
Avoid leading questions: While encouraging your child to talk about their feelings, make sure that you are not asking them leading questions. Instead, you can use open-ended questions, which will help them analyse their own emotions. This is an important part of managing anxiety.
Establish healthy ways of handling anxiety: Your child grows a lot by watching you. So don't try to pretend that you don't face moments of anxiety or stress. Let your child notice you dealing with the same. Make sure to show them how you are dealing with your anxiety in calm manner. This will raise the confidence in your child and encourage them to deal with their own anxiety.
Also Read: Eat Right, Eat Healthy
Also Watch: