Raising an Anxious Child:
Finding The Help That Matters

It’s frustrating when you can neither coax nor pressure your child to do what other children do with ease—go to school, sleep on their own, play with other children, etc. If your child persists in behaving this way, you may consider resorting to harsher methods of discipline. But first, think about what worries your child. It may sound illogical, but for them it can be a serious matter.

Could your child have anxiety? If so, it may get worse without early and proper professional help. Rather than spend time wondering how to discipline your child, bring them to a counselor or therapist. Watching a child struggle with anxiety can be heart-rending, and raising an anxious child can be extremely challenging. The help of a therapist may be what you and your child need.

Child Anxiety: Is It for Real?

Child anxiety isn’t only real—it is a serious concern, evident in the rising number of children affected by this emotional condition. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, it affects one out of eight children in America, making it among the most prevalent emotional conditions for children in the United States.

Feeling anxious is an important biological response: part of the “fight or flight” response system when there is a perceived danger. It is a useful reaction in dangerous situations, but it can cause your child difficulty if this system is always “on,” even when there is no real threat.

Anxiety is also a part of a child’s emotional and behavioral development. This is why a young child may refuse to sleep on their own in a dark room or an older child may have qualms about boarding a school bus, fearing vehicular mishaps. It is true that most of these fears may fade in time, but not always.

If you have an anxious child, their fears or worries may persist and become more intense and overwhelming as they get older. Thus, it is important to know the symptoms of anxiety as an emotional condition, so you can provide the right help to raise your child well.

What Are the Signs of Child Anxiety?

Most attentive parents will notice something different in a child with anxiety. However, because some anxiety is a natural part of child development, they may dismiss or ignore it when it becomes overwhelming for the child, thinking that the illogical fears will fade in due time.

If your anxious child is quiet and meek, you may think they are simply well-behaved. If they release their fears through disruptive behavior, you may label them difficult. It is seldom thought that these could be signs of excessive anxiety. Without recognizing the signs of the condition, you cannot get help for your child. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of child anxiety is important in order to provide early assistance.

There are several types of anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms vary depending on the type and intensity of the condition. For instance, ChildMind says that “a child with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has pervasive worries that cause distress about a variety of everyday things … worries too much about everything.”

If your young child is saddled with anxiety, they will likely be confused and scared to the point of panicking or feeling ashamed. According to NHS Choices, these are some of the common manifestations in young children:

  • finding it hard to concentrate
  • not sleeping, or waking in the night with bad dreams
  • not eating properly
  • quickly getting angry or irritable, and being out of control during outbursts
  • constantly worrying or having negative thoughts
  • feeling tense and fidgety, or using the toilet often
  • always crying
  • being clingy all the time (when other children are not)
  • complaining of tummy aches and feeling unwell

 

Raising Your Child with Professional Assistance

Your child’s physical and emotional health are among the most important things in your life. When you see your child exhibiting signs of anxiety and fear that they may not be able to maximize their potential, you may be wondering how you can best help.

Looking the other way won’t help. Pretending that there is nothing unusual happening can be disastrous. Making discipline harsher may not work. If indeed your child is struggling with anxiety, the best option is to acknowledge it and seek counseling to address their issues, even if it frustrates or hurts you. You need to do something positive about it: seek help from Carolina Counseling Services — Pinehurst, NC.

Anxiety can challenge your child and you. The condition can interrupt their development and make your job of raising them more challenging. Know that there is hope, because this emotional condition is treatable. Call Carolina Counseling Services — Pinehurst, NC, if you wish to see your child’s symptoms dissipate along with your worries.

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