This is a tough time of year for many children. This time of year we see that anxiety peeks in school age kids and parents; below are tips to help:1) Be Receptive-If you keep the lines of communication open it tells child(ren) you are available to them to talk about these anxieties. For all people simply talking about things out loud helps them process. If talking isn't helpful let them draw or write about it.
2) Validate the Anxiety-This is an always! Don't give them the solution or tell them it will be alright. Just reflect on the experience the child(ren) tells you they are having. Help them put a feeling word with the anxiety. Acknowledge it and let them know you hear them! If they need to cry it out-let them. Just sitting with them during the tears is validation.
3) Help your child(ren) identify the positives going on during this time of year.
4) Teach your child(ren) some coping skills for anxiety. Model coping skills for your child.
5) Find yourself a trusting person to help you during this time. Being a parent is tough and you need to be validated just as much as your child(ren) do.
