
There are things you can do to help your child manage their anxiety
As parents we naturally want our children to be happy. It is our job to protect them, so it can be incredibly distressing to see your child struggle with anxiety. But there are things you can do to help minimise their anxiety, and equip them with effective coping skills.
My six-year-old daughter has struggled on and off with anxiety. She was an intense and frustrated baby, and she became a clingy, anxious and contrary toddler. We wrestled with multiple meltdowns on a daily basis. She was highly sensitive to temperature, sound and touch. If it rained and we were outside, she bellowed. If we saw a dog in the street, she leapt into my arms. If we saw a digger nearby she was convinced it was coming to dig her up. Even the innocent postman arriving on his bike terrified her.
Her anxieties interfered with daily life and family harmony. For a long time I lived in a state of anxiety myself so we sought professional help. With time, patience and compassion my beautiful daughter underwent a behavioural transformation. I urge you to read about it here. By the time Miss J started school she was a different kid. She had a quiet confidence about her, and her anxieties had all but disappeared….