Parenting an Anxious Child
We have all experienced anxiety within our lives, some people more than others. The situations which trigger anxiety vary significantly. Most people react to anxiety with the fight/flight response. When we are faced with something threatening our bodies produce adrenaline, which prepares our bodies to fight our fear. However, the changes to our physiology can feel extremely uncomfortable and at times unbearable. People will do anything to get out of such an unpleasant state. This can lead to avoidance of certain trigger situations, which can be the start of an anxiety disorder.
When children are faced with fear they sometimes cannot link their physical symptoms to anxiety. They may often have sore tummies, headaches or feel sick. These can all be real physical symptoms of stress and anxiety. Their emotions may range from scared to angry to sad. They may display flighty, irritable, erratic or withdrawn behaviour. They are likely to avoid their fear at any cost.
Parenting an anxious child can be both time consuming and exhausting and have an effect on an entire family. It can be difficult to know how to react in certain situations and seeing your child frightened and uncomfortable can be distressing. An adult’s response to an anxious child can be influential in the child’s belief about their anxiety. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can allow children and their parents to make connections between their thoughts, feelings, behaviours and physiology. It can enable children, parents and families make small changes which can help reduce levels of anxiety and allow the child to cope more effectively in anxious situations. If you would like help with your anxious child please get in touch.
Coming Soon
Block of Workshops on Parenting Anxious Children
To register your interest, please get in touch.
07846 552221