Having an anxious child puts the parent in a unique position. Parents are advised not to coddle or over-protect their anxious child, but they do not want to seem cold or uncaring, either.
One of the best things you can do for your anxious child, according to many psychology experts, is to learn to control your own anxiety.
When children who are already highly anxious notice their parents behaving in a frantic or upset manner, they are more likely to feel even more nervous.
Of course, as a parent, you want to encourage your child to feel calm and relaxed. Too much anxiety can be bad for people of all ages, so it is best to reduce negative, unproductive worrying as much as possible.
Recently, psychology experts have begun re-focusing their energies. Instead of emphasizing the child or teen taking most of the responsibility on by him or herself, they are encouraging parents to take on a sort of coaching role. New studies are showing good results for anxious children and teens whose parents are taught to take a more interactive role in their recovery.
Therapists can show parents how to deal with their child’s anxious behaviors and how to respond to his or her worries.
An article in an Australian online publication describes how a teen girl has benefited from the novel approach to treating child and adolescent anxiety (i.e., getting the family involved). Behaviors that are practiced at home are more likely to become habit for children and teens struggling with anxiety and other mental health disorders.
To read more about the new approach to treating anxiety, click on the link here:
