We all know the drill – watching our distressed kids grapple with anxiety is no walk in the park. If anxiety could talk, it might introduce itself as a well-intentioned guard dog, aiming to keep your little one safe in its snug fortress from the big, scary world outside.

As adults, we frequently characterize the anxiety experienced by children using terms such as “devastating” and “Intense pain”.  Anxiety, essentially, is like a false alarm system in the brain, triggering panic when there’s no real danger. Imagine your child’s brain hitting the panic button over and over, leading to a rollercoaster of pain, fear, and self-doubt.

It’s crucial to distinguish anxiety from fear. Fear kicks in when faced with immediate danger, like a bully threatening your daughter or your son slipping off a tree. Anxiety, on the other hand, creeps in when danger might be lurking, like fearing school because of a potential bully. It’s the kind of worry that makes even looking at a tree seem like a risky endeavor.

Anxiety isn’t just about troublesome thoughts; it comes with a whole package of feelings and behaviors. From stomachaches to racing hearts, anxiety takes a toll on a child’s body. It’s like a constant companion, influencing their behavior, making them hyper-aware of potential threats, and sometimes even hindering their daily activities.

Sure, anxiety isn’t all bad. It’s a built-in biological function meant to prepare us for real dangers. Think of it as a helpful alert system that prompts your child to study for a test or wear a seatbelt. However, when anxiety becomes a constant, nagging presence, it can lead to a child doubting their own body, feelings, and thoughts.

Remember two key aspects about anxiety; 

First, worry feeds on doubt and uncertainty, seeking the comfort of safety. Reassuring your anxious child might seem like the right move, but it often doesn’t address the core issue. Anxious minds are too scared to take risks, and their rationale is just because nothing terrible happened yesterday doesn’t guarantee a worry-free tomorrow.

Second, Anxiety isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. While some anxiety is normal and even beneficial, excessive worry can be detrimental. It exists on a continuum, from mild to severe, affecting individuals differently in various situations.

So, as parents navigating this anxiety journey with our little ones, let’s strive for understanding, empathy, and effective ways to help them cope. Together, we can create a safe space where fears are acknowledged, and resilience is nurtured. 

References 

1. Manassis K, Russell K, Newton AS. The Cochrane Library and the treatment of childhood and adolescent anxiety disorders: and overview of reviews. Evidence-Base Child Health: A Cochrane Review Journal. 2010;5:541–54. doi: 10.1002/ebch.508.
2. Kendall PC, Peterman JS. CBT for Adolescents With Anxiety: Mature Yet Still Developing. Am J Psychiatry. 2015 Jun;172(6):519–30. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.14081061. PMID: 26029805. [PubMed] [CrossRef]
3. Ortbandt, C, Petermann, et al. Effects of a cognitive behavioral training program for children with social anxiety. Kindheit und Entwicklung. 2009;18(1):21–9.