Practical Tips for Addressing Children’s Fear and Anxiety

Parents, while parenting a child, often make them aware of certain situations and ask them to be fearful of situations like fire, road crossing, or height. In these situations, the fear or anxiety might not seem so threatening, but at times, children begin to feel threatened and get anxious about the situation or things that are seemingly normal for others. 

The origins of dread may shift as a child grows. For example, a fear of the dark may develop into a fear of theft or abuse. Picking the child up about their fear or driving them to face terrifying situations are examples of ineffective tactics.

Let’s understand how you can deal with your child’s fear and anxiety effectively.

Steps to help your child cope with fear and anxiety. 

No fixed method can be adopted while counseling a child with anxiety or fear. It is a two-way process where you have to engage with your child on an interpersonal level.  

Take their fear on a serious note.  

According to Child Experts, “It is important to take a child’s fear seriously.” If you are someone who doesn’t take a serious approach to understanding your child’s fear, then it will make them grow anxious and violent. So, instead of putting them in a state of denial by saying, “There’s nothing to be scared of,” you should make them accept their fear and help them overcome it. 

Help in finding ways to discuss the reason 

Every child has a different psychological build; hence, not every kid is going to be vocal about the fear and anxiety that they are facing in different areas of their lives. 

For such kids, it is important to discuss their problems in detail. You can ask about their problems, bit by bit instead of bombarding them with queries and forcing them to speak. This might make them cave more and speak less about the things troubling them. Speak to them softly and be patient.

Encourage them to think practically 

According to child psychologists, your child needs to think practically to deal with fear and anxiety rationally. 

• Listen to their thoughts, whatever they have to say. Lend them your ears.
• Figure out the facts and feelings involved in it.
• Collect evidence to support or disapprove of their fear and anxiety.
• Help them think analytically about the situation and let them understand that their fear can be resolved.

Take one step each to tackle the fear.

Kids do believe in plans but asking them to tackle all their fears at once will be overwhelming for them and you as well. Instead, you are advised to deal with the problem slowly. For example: Perhaps your youngster is terrified to complete coursework in one area while you remain in another one with the entrance shut. Decide to ensure that by the seventh day of next week, your kid will have completed one hour of learning independently of you. After you’ve determined the goal, go over the measures you’ll take to achieve it. 

Cheer your child

Change is a time-consuming process, and you can’t expect things to change in just the blink of an eye. Whenever your child is going through anxiety or has a fear of a situation, tell them to be calm and that you are proud of them. Encourage them to approach their anxiety and fear at their own pace. Once you begin praising your child for every little effort they make towards dealing with their fear, you help them build a growth mindset that helps them in the long run. 

Seek a counselor 

Every time, it’s not possible to handle a child without professional assistance. In such a situation, you must go for expert 1-to-1 guidance for kids. You must find a good child psychologist and bring your child to them for effective counseling. In this way, you will be able to know the root cause of your kids’ anxiety, and then you can help them better. 

How can Joonify help your kid?

Joonify is a one-of-a-kind place to know your child with the help of early childhood assessment. With the detailed analysis by Joonify’s experts, you will discover your child’s Unique Talents and Capabilities and tips on how to assist them in the form of a detailed assessment report. With this, you can help your child in achieving their potential to a full bloom. 

Bottom line 

While dealing with a child facing the issue of fear and anxiety, you need to keep a child-centric approach to understand their mindset. Their unique talents and the root cause of the fear. It doesn’t only aid in the growth of your kids but also strengthens your bond with them.