Does Your Child Suffers from Anxiety?

Does your child suffers from anxiety? Or he or she simply refuses to go to school for fear of getting scolded? Why does this happens?

According to experts, anxiety in children is related to excessive fear and worry that come from both temperament and environmental factors. Some children are more prone to anxiety than others, and how can you, as parents, deal with your child in such cases? Here are two suggestions.

1. Every family experiences very stressful, life-changing events once in a while, and these will impact your child. Such events might include moving to a new location, new school, divorce, death of a family member, or even your spouse's leaving for long-term work. Parents should listen to a child's concerns in this case, telling him the reasons that a certain event has to occur, and also prepare him for the transition. For instance, if your child has to start term in a new school, bring him to the school to take a look and to become familiar with the environment and the people he will meet. It would be good if you could add some fun elements in the process of helping him make adjustments.

2. Parents sometimes suffer from anxiety as well, and in such cases, it is important for you to manage your anxiety positively, and show how you overcome it competently, because your child will learn from your example.

3. Never force your child to confront head-on a deeply held fear or it could make the situation worse. Be supportive, and put him in a safe environment with guidance. Listen to his concerns, and let him see that you are addressing his fear. Give him advice on how to counteract his worries.

Joe Barry is an international panic disorder coach. His informative site on all issues related to panic and anxiety attacks can be found here.