Five Ways to Help Children Cope with Anxiety

It’s back to school time and for some children that means increased anxiety. Academics, sports, family circumstances and social events create pressures that may feel overwhelming for children of all ages. As a parent you can’t protect your child from all worries but you can help them develop skills to cope.

There are many ways including the following:

1.  Listen to your child. Taking the time to listen to your child calmly and genuinely without judgment can be empowering and helpful for children coping with stress.

2.  Model healthy coping skills such as exercise, deep breathing, yoga or just slowing down from a busy schedule.

3.  Help children name their feelings. When children have the words to express their feelings many times they will not need to act out in an unhealthy way.

4. Strive for good sleep schedules and healthy eating habits. Consistent sleep and nutritious food can help children feel more prepared to manage the demands of the school day. We see this in our C.O.O.L. program, too—sometimes something as simple as having a healthy snack before or during a counseling session can help a child settle in, focus and feel cared for.

5. Limit media and video game time. Be cautious of too many after school activities to allow children enough time for play and school work.

Mind & Spirit Counseling Center provides high-quality mental health counseling and education for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, supported by a team of more than 20 licensed clinicians. Through our C.O.O.L. program—Children Overcoming the Obstacles of Life—we offer a specialized approach to counseling children and adolescents that may incorporate art, play, food and physical movement to help young people feel safe, supported and engaged in the therapeutic process.

Meet the clinicians who support our C.O.O.L. program and request an appointment today.