In my work with children experiencing anxiety, I’ve seen firsthand how helpful it is for them to learn coping strategies. Anxiety in kids is more common than many parents realize. (Approximately 5.8 million children aged 3-17 years were diagnosed in 2016-2019, according to the CDC).
Watching a child struggle with anxiety can be heart-wrenching for any parent. Your child might be avoiding school and social situations, and manifest symptoms like stomach aches or headaches.
What I've found to be incredibly helpful is teaching them to connect with their “inner resources.” I want to share some insights and tools that can support your child in managing their anxiety.
Help your Child Manage Anxiety with these Evidence-Based Coping Strategies:
- Grounding exercises
- Using the Circle of Control
- Belly breathing
- Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)
-
Guided imagery
Positive parenting practices for parenting an anxious child—such as validating their feelings and acting as their advocate—can also complement these efforts.
If you found value in the above strategies, our collection of anxiety handouts and worksheets are additional resources that can support a comprehensive treatment plan for anxiety management.
*This article was originally published in our email newsletter on October 8, 2024.
