Anxiety is more common in children than you might think. In fact, up to 20% of school-aged kids experience many of the symptoms of anxiety, including fear, panic, worry, racing thoughts, difficulty focusing, restlessness, and trembling. Help your child cope with anxiety by using the following helpful behavioral health tips.

4 Ways to Help Kids With Anxiety

1. Encourage Positive Thinking

Anxiety is often accompanied by self-criticism and negative thought patterns. Try to help your children view the glass as half-full rather than half-empty. Point out the potentially good aspects of what’s troubling your child, and encourage an overall positive outlook. 

2. Do Relaxing Activities 

Leisure time is important for children who suffer from anxiety. Fill your weekends with non-competitive activities, such as walks in the park, playground time, arts and crafts, or trips to local museums. Low stakes activities like these will help your kids de-stress and decompress before the new school week. 

3. Allow for Expression 

Make yourself available to listen to your children when they’re struggling with anxiety. Allow them to express their thoughts and feelings with you, without fear of judgment or punishment. Validate your child’s feelings, and make sure they feel heard and understood. 

4. See a Behavioral Health Professional 

It’s never a bad idea to seek third party counseling for children who have frequent bouts of anxiety. A behavioral health professional will provide you with an accurate diagnosis before recommending a treatment program that may include some combination of cognitive therapy, group counseling, at-home exercises, and medication. 

Keep your children healthy and happy with behavioral health services from Peninsula Community Health Services. This medical center also offers psychiatry, dentistry, and pediatrics to clients throughout the Soldotna, AK, community. Call (907) 260-3691 to reach the mental health crisis line any time of the day or night. Visit them online to learn more about how to get the medical care you need.