Childhood anxiety is one of the most commonly discussed mental health challenges of all time. Millions of children around the world experience some level of clinical anxiety. Anxiety researchers explain that these feelings are only temporary for most kids, but for others they can be impactful especially when the child doesn’t get help. And you, as a parent, can certainly help your child combat this problem alongside the caregivers of a Dee Why kindergarten. These tips would help:

Don’t dismiss their feelings:

When your child tells you that they’re worried about something, don’t dismiss their feelings by saying “It’s not a big deal”, or that they will be fine. Instead, validate their feelings by telling them that it’s okay to be scared, and help them confront the issue. When you tell them that they shouldn’t feel anxious, your child will start to believe that their feelings are wrong.

Help ward off negativity:

Just like adults, children can also be pessimistic sometimes. Their feelings of negativity could instigate anxiety and depletion of self esteem. A Dee Why kindergarten recommends doing the following to help your child.

Tell your child to create a list of the negative thoughts they feel more often. Now ask them if they could identify the reason behind such anxious feelings. For instance, if your child believes that they aren’t smart enough, help them recall those times when they have shown they’re intelligent. This will make them realize that they shouldn’t accept every negative thought that pops up in their head. Try and replace their negative feelings with a positive one too.

Real threat and false alarms:

Teach your child about the difference between real threat and false alarms. For instance, if they were chased by an animal, the brain will send out a signal that they are in actual danger. But there could also be circumstances when the brain triggers a false alarm. They’d experience intense fear during such situations as preparing for an important test, public speaking, and the like. Tell them this – if it’s a real threat, they should take the right measures to keep themselves safe. And if it’s a false alarm, they should train themselves to face their fears.

Deep Breathing Technique:

Studies have shown that deep breathing exercises can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. If your child experiences anxiety often, child care centres Dee Why recommend the deep breathing technique.

Take a deep breath in through the nose as the air fills the lungs, and then breathe out slowly through the mouth. Tell them to do this a few times and they will feel better. Remind them that they can do this on their own whenever they feel anxious.

Besides giving your child the necessary care at a day care Dee Why, parenting is also equally important. Never pressurise your child on anything. Instead, be a good friend whom your child can always approach and talk to.