Helping Kids Manage Anxiety

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to identify. But, once identified, it can be managed by establishing routines and boundaries. Anxiety is natural, and can even enhance one’s performance. However, unhealthy anxiety involves more than being worried about an upcoming event. It’s an intense fear or unease that can be accompanied by physical and cognitive symptoms that interfere with daily life. Once this occurs, a detrimental cycle is created. Anxiety leads to poor academic performance, which in turn fuels more anxiety and worry, leading to lower self-esteem and an increased reluctance to learn.

So how do you know when everyday anxiety crosses the line and becomes concerning? Here are some behaviors to watch out for:

• inattention and restlessness
• task avoidance (difficulty starting and completing homework)
• physical complaints (headaches, stomach aches)
• changes in social behavior
• disruptive behavior
• reactions that are disproportionate or not age appropriate

The good news is that anxiety can be managed at home. For starters, be a listener and always focus on the strengths and successes of your child! It’s also important to evaluate the basic routines such as sleep, diet, health, and academics. Then, develop routines with the child’s input to give them agency. Remember, there will be some non-negotiables that need to be determined in advance. To be effective, routines are built and managed with visuals and frequent check-ins. And remember, caregivers should take care to manage their own anxiety and mental health! Self-care makes it easier to parent with patience and confidence. Finally, be sure to collaborate with the child’s teacher and school administrators. Together, a partnership can be developed that offers the appropriate level of support along with attainable and manageable goals. 

Last week, Springer Learning Center hosted its first workshop in the Parenting Toolkit series. This session focused on balancing anxiety and academics. The workshop brought caregivers together with local experts Erin Fiorito and Molly Ireton to understand when and how anxiety impacts their children at school. It was a supportive environment for families wanting to learn more. 

"Other parents are having the same problems."

"Seeing other parents recognize similar symptoms in their child makes me feel less 'on an island'."

~Parent Attendees

We invite you to join us for one or more of the three remaining sessions in our parenting toolkit series. Free registration made possible by a grant from the Josephine Schell Russell Charitable Trust.