Seeing your child worry is not easy-especially if it starts to interfere in their everyday life (i.e. going to school, making friends, being able to fall asleep at night, taking family vacations). If you have a child who is anxious, you are not alone. Here are some tips to help ease their anxiety and give them some “tools for their toolbox.”

1. Deep breathing (have them take 5-10 deep breaths-in through their nose, out through their mouth).
2. Encourage your child to think of 5 good things that happened to them that day or 5 things they were proud of that they accomplished (keep it small and simple).
3. Count from 1-20 and backwards from 20-1.
4. Think of a family vacation that was relaxing and fun. Talk about the vacation with your child to distract them from their anxious thoughts.
5. Encourage positive self-talk (I am safe, I am okay, there is nothing to be afraid of, my parents will keep me safe).

These tips are only suggestions on how to ease your child’s anxiety. If you feel that your child’s anxiety is getting in their way of their day to day activities, or you would like additional resources please contact me at 303.810.0658 or email me at jenna@jennasmiththerapy.com to schedule a session.