How to Support an Anxious Child

Yesterday we posted information on how to prevent stress during the holiday season.  When you have an anxious child, holidays usually add to the worries they already have.  I really like these ideas from the Child Mind Institute for supporting a child with anxiety.  As parents, it is not always possible to avoid anxiety-provoking things or situations.  In fact, this article encourages parents to do just the opposite.  At those times, it is important to teach kids how to manage their feelings and to model positive coping skills. The author also suggests that parents respect the feelings of the child without reinforcing them.  To hear more suggestions, visit

http://www.childmind.org/en/posts/articles/2010-11-24-how-parent-anxious-kids

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