Children today are more anxious than ever, it is important as a parent to build your emotional toolkit to help your child through this difficult emotion. It’s important to know what contributes to anxiety, what to look for in your child, and how to respond in a way that will improve the dialogue between you and your child.
Characteristics and Contributors
Academic perfectionism and fear of failure
Increase in bullying, suicidal ideations, addictions, eating disorders, cutting, etc.
Too much screen time
Too little exercise
Helicopter Parenting
What to Look Out For
Laziness
Defiancy
Irresponsibility
“Who Cares?” Attitude
Procrastination
Tantrums
Anxiety can disguise itself as many things, that’s why it’s so important to keep an eye out for irregular behaviors. As a parent, it is important to recognize that these “undesirable” behaviors are symptoms of anxiety so that you are able to respond appropriately, helpfully, and empathetically. So what can you do?
Parent Power Tools, Effective Responses to Anxiety
Develop a secure attachment with your child
Validate
Express Empathy
Encourage Mistakes
5 Action Steps, An Anxiety Reducing Toolkit
1. Be aware of your child’s emotions
2. Recognize emotions as an opportunity for connection
3. Help your child verbally label emotions
4. Communicate Empathy and Understanding
5. Set Limits and Problem Solve
Many of these tools and tips are part of learning how to be an Emotional Coaching parent, learn how to do this as we explore Gottman and other approaches to become the most effective parent for your child.
Join us Saturdays at 8:30 AM for our parent group!