I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it seems that our kids are experiencing a new kind of epidemic since COVID-19 disrupted our lives with lockdowns and remote learning: anxiety. Anxiety is a common problem in young people from kindy to high school, and beyond.
Worrying is a symptom of anxiety which can effect appetite, sleep and behaviour. Getting stuck in a pattern of worrying about what might happen can stop young people from trying new things, taking age-appropriate risks and enjoying the good things that are happening.
It’s hard for parents to see their children struggling. Having a “worrier” in the family can effect everyone. Parents have a part to play in their children overcoming anxiety. A parent who is open to support and understand their kids can make a big difference.
Taking control of their thoughts and learning how to identify what is a threat to be avoided in comparison to a challenge to overcome are skills that kids can learn in counselling. Externalising worry can give kids tools that will help them for the rest of their lives as they encounter more complex and grown-up situations.
Your child’s worry won’t go away by having someone tell them to “stop worrying, because there’s nothing to worry about”. However, they can learn a range of techniques to draw from when they find ourselves dwelling on anxiety-inducing thoughts. If you’re concerned that worries are taking the fun out of life for your child, be a supportive parent and access some help. I’d be pleased to talk to you about how Ebb and Flow Counselling can help your child reduce worry.
