Treating Anxiety in Children

Childhood is supposed to be full of fun, magic, and giggles. Sadly, for some children, this is not how they experience the world. At times, there is nothing parents can do to change this, though some parents simply are unaware of what is going on. Children can worry and be anxious and this can really effect them in every part of their young lives and for years to come. It is important to pinpoint anxiety and stress, and then to find help treating anxiety in children so you can give them their carefree childhood back.

Anxiety should not be a part of childhood, but there are many reasons why children become stressed or anxious. One reason is that they are struggling in school or being bullied by someone. If your child asks to stay home from school a lot or seems anxious when they go, this could be a sign that the problem is at school. If so, treating anxiety in children may be easy if you can find out what is really going on. Talk to their teacher and other school officials that can help you figure out why your child is fearful about being in school.

There are other reasons for children to feel stressed out. Some of the biggest stresses that effect children are parents fighting a lot, divorce or separation, or a big move away from family and friends. Children who are being abused by someone can also have huge anxiety problems. Treating anxiety in children who have these problems can be harder because it is difficult to make the reason for the stress go away. This is why you have to help them is to be as honest, open and reassuring as possible. Do not fight over the the kids during a separation. Instead, work on what is best for them no matter what has happened between you and your partner or spouse. This can go a long way towards making them feel better.

You can do some things for treating anxiety in children at home. Try stress balls and other tricks that they can do or use when they feel anxious. These really can help with small stress. Do what you can to make their environment as calm and welcoming as possible. Teach them about exercise and do it with them. Exercise can melt away all types of stress. Go for walks, ride bikes, and play in the yard with them when you can. The more they move around the less stress they are going to feel. The one on one time or family time will also benefit them.

Treating anxiety in children that is out of control is much harder. You can do the above things with them at home, but you may also need the help of a child therapist. They can work out what is causing the stress and use cognitive therapy to help them deal with and get rid of the stress in their lives. A good therapist should work with the child one on one, but should also involve immediate family for the best results. Check with your insurance, as they may very well cover these sessions completely or with a small copay.

Separation Anxiety in Children

You want your children to be bonded to you. Some say that this happens automatically, but in some children it does not. This leads to lifelong problems for that child. Don't worry too much, because as long as you see to their needs and show them love and affection, the bonding cycle should be complete and whole. All bonded children have trouble being away from mom and dad. Separation anxiety in children can happen at any time and will vary in severity from child to child. Make sure you can do all that you can ease their fears when this comes up.

Most children have problems when they are about a year and a half old. Separation anxiety in children at this age is pretty common and is also very heartbreaking. At this age children are not sure that you are going to come back. They are not sure why you are leaving, and some children think that something that they cannot see does not exist any longer. They are old enough to know you are mom and when you leave, they do not know you are coming back. This makes it hard for them to let you go.

The first signs of separation anxiety in children is when your child starts to cling to you when another adult besides mom and dad comes near them. They are showing stress around strangers, which is good, long with the first signs of separation anxiety. If you are taking them to daycare or a babysitter, they may suddenly want you to stay when they may not have had a problem in the past. As bad as you feel when you have to leave them when they are in this state, know that they are always fine within a few minutes.

When separation anxiety in children gets bad, there are a few things that you should do. Be sure to tell your spouse the same things so that they can also do these things before they drop them off somewhere. One thing is to never sneak out on your child. Always tell them goodbye, offer affection, and then tell them that you will be back to get them later. Some parents don't do this because they don't want to see them cry, but they end up in much worse shape if you sneak out. They will think you might disappear without warning at any time.

Older children, like toddlers and kindergarteners can have some anxiety also. This is not as bad, and because they are older, they will understand things better. When separation anxiety in children happens at these ages, they can understand that you will be back, not that this makes it any easier to see you go. Tell them where you are going, when you are going to be back, and what you will do together once you have returned to get them. This often helps them feel more secure. Once in a while, there may be a day when it overtakes them so go ahead and go pick them up. This will show them they really do have nothing to fear.