Anxiety or panic attacks in children are quite common. Some children are either nervous or scared in different environments such as starting a new school or socializing with friends and family. However, there are steps you can take to alleviate such panicky feelings and help the child become more relaxed.
Make yourself accessible to your kid
Try to talk to your child and see if there is anything you can find out that is worrying or bothering your child. Often some explanations or reassurance is all that your child needs from you to overcome the fear. It is highly possible that your childâs anxiousness is due to a bad encounter or an early childhood trauma. Finding the root cause of your childâs fear is the best way to deal with panic attacks. Be a friend to your child and give a quite ear to his concerns and needs. If your child trusts that you are there to help him, he will easily open up and discuss his fears with you. In turn, you can offer your advice to help him cope with his feelings.
Take care of your childâs overall health
Often anxiety or panic attacks in children are the consequence of stress or over exertion. Be sure that your child gets enough sleep. In case your child is having difficulty in sleeping, consider shifting the bedroom to help him get a sound sleep. Also, keep an eye if your kid is regular in following a consistent sleep schedule.
To maintain your childâs overall health make sure that he eats wholesome, fresh and nutritious food. If a child is consuming food that is very high in sugar or fat, he may have problems paying attention and will be more prone to anxiety attacks. A stable blood sugar level is very much required to overcome the issues of anxiousness.
Go easy with future events
When it comes to let your child know about any upcoming events, talk about it in a calm and an organized manner. Avoid getting too thrilled about the event even if it is exciting and amusing. Those children who experience high degrees of anxiety may start feeling too anxious even before the big day begins. Discuss the occasion in a way as if it is just another day.
Moreover, in case it is about moving your house to a new location, make sure to familiarize your child with the new environment. It can be really stressful for your child to be thrown into a new atmosphere and having to adapt quickly. Go easy with the child in his new location and give him time to practice new routines.
Take a professional help
Do not hesitate to reach out for professional help. Remember that your child is as normal as any other child; he only needs proper assistance to overcome his fears. For which, make an appointment with your family doctor and have your child undergo a thorough physical examination. It will help you to figure out the cause of your childâs anxiety. Once the proper diagnosis is done, you can be sure if the anxiety is caused due to a physical ailment or any other underlying problem. In case the latter is true, you can proceed to find the correct treatment for your child. Also, make it a point to regularly visit your childâs school and interact with the teachers. This will help to analyze whether your kid is properly socializing with other children or not. You may consider adding some extra-curricular activities to the childâs timetable so that he may get accustomed to being with a group.
Be patient with your child
Never force your child to face their fears if they are not comfortable with the idea. It can be very stressful for a child if a parent makes them do something that is freighting to them. Such a behavior will only hamper your trust and relationship with your child. It is very essential to be kind towards the young one and demonstrate immense patience. Making your child confront his fears is a good way to deal with his anxiety attacks however, a slow and steady approach should be adapted. Keep an eye on the symptoms that triggers panic attack and calmly work towards it. If you are able to recognize the hidden signs of anxiety, you will be able to curb the same before it causes an attack. Remember that when your child can incorporate the trust in you it can make things run a lot more smoother.
