Having feelings of anxiety is part of life, beginning at birth with our first cry. As we grow, feelings of anxiety are experienced in the body as tightness of the chest, shortness of breath and the loss of control – all of these new sensations are heightened in children when they don’t know why it’s happening. Whether it’s an isolated incident or recurring event, anxiety brings with it a load of questions.
Even if your child is eventually diagnosed with anxiety, this diagnosis can’t bring relief if they don’t know what it means. In fact, the word “diagnosis” can lead them to believe something is wrong with them if not supported and properly educated.
At Decade2Connect, our Child Therapy services specialize in helping children understand and manage anxiety, providing them with tools and strategies tailored to their individual needs.
It’s never too late to begin a journey of self-exploration and acceptance with your child. Do you feel overwhelmed after trying to help your child calm down? Would you like support with educating your child in the long term? Here are some tips to help you talk to your child about anxiety:
We see families every day come through our doors with anxiety that can feel hopeless for the whole family. When they walk through those doors, however, the worries begin to dissipate as they’re seen and supported. Decade2Connect uses the EFFT (Emotion Focused Family Therapy) model, which focuses around connecting a family unit as a whole. We believe when one member of the family is hurting, they all are: on the other hand, when one member is thriving, they all can. And modeling your own response (not reaction) to your child’s feelings (and your own) is powerful parenting! As a parent, the greatest gift you can give your child is love and support. Connect with us today if your family is ready to grow and heal together.
