Whether it’s the result of a big imagination or an unfamiliar situation, it’s normal for children to feel anxious every now and then.
In fact, a little bit of fear can be healthy, protecting children from dangerous situations. But when does everyday worry translate into anxiety? And what does that look like in children?
Let’s discuss anxiety in children and the strategies you can tap into to help them through their fears.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is the body’s reaction to a perceived sense of danger. It’s a feeling of fear or worry that triggers a physical response which can include an elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure and sweating.
The reality is, an occasional anxious feeling is a healthy and normal response to stress. But that doesn’t mean it feels pleasant, and it’s important to set children up with strategies to help them acknowledge, recognise and manage their fears.
What causes anxiety in children?
Anxiety in children can be triggered by an array of reasons, including major life events, such as the loss of a family member, moving, or parent separation.
It can also be in response to things like bullying, natural disasters and major news events, or illness, injury and getting sick.
Sometimes, however, there is no obvious reason, with some children just a little more prone to worry than others.
What anxiety looks like in children
While adults are often able to voice their anxiety, children might express their fears in a variety of ways.
The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne notes signs might include:
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Feelings of worry or fear
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Regularly avoiding everyday situations like school, social events, playing with friends, sports, eating or sleeping
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Sudden emotional or angry outbursts, tantrums or 'meltdowns'
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Irritability
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Seeking reassurance often
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Trouble concentrating
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Problems with talking at school or in public places
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Overplanning and overthinking
Meanwhile, anxiety can also manifest in physical symptoms such as fatigue, restlessness, stomach aches and headaches, muscle tension, changes in appetite, and trouble sleeping.
How to assist
Tackling anxiety in children is all about helping them feel safe, secure and supported, while providing them with the strategies they can use to manage their fears.
Talk with your child – It’s important to acknowledge your child’s fears while encouraging them to let you know when they’re feeling worried or overwhelmed. They should also be reassured that everyone feels worried or scared sometimes.
Create a plan – Breathing techniques, mantras and reassuring phrases can all be valuable tools to help alleviate anxiety. Create a plan for when those anxious feelings arise, such as focusing on their breathing while hugging a familiar toy. Simple habits can help ease anxiety and create a sense of calm.
A healthy routine – Sleep, exercise and a balanced diet all underpin the mental resilience required to manage emotions such as fear and anxiety. Ensure your child has a healthy routine that allows them to get the food, rest and exercise they need each day.
Fun activities – Everyone needs a healthy outlet. Whether it’s play, exercise, reading a book, or a simple outing somewhere they love, set aside time for fun activities.
Gentle support – Even though a situation might make your child anxious, it’s important not to avoid those activities. Support your child to progressively tackle the activities that might make them anxious, offering praise when they do the things they might prefer to avoid.
How Kitty & Raffy can help
Kitty & Raffy is an Australian brand that’s all about enhancing children's emotional wellbeing. Our flagship product, "Comfort Me Raffy," is a safety-certified emotional support toy designed to help kids manage anxiety.
You can view our full range of products here.
