Anxiety in Childhood

The other night I listened as one of my closest friends described her second grade child's fight with anxiety. She'd asked my professional opinion and went on to describe her child's complaints. Stomach ache, headache, and attempts to avoid school. I was able to not just able to speak to her concerns as a therapist. I was able to speak to it as a mother. I also have a child who complains of either headaches, stomach aches, or itching each day as a way to try and avoid school. His first grade teacher says he's fine when he walks through her door, and his often a nightmare to get out of mine.

School can be tough. The lack of play or down down during the day is troubling. Yet, teachers are doing what they are asked to do by administrators and politicians (and they're extremely under paid). Teachers are trying to educate our children and help them grow into industrious, responsible, citizens. I fear that administrators and politicians are sacrificing our children's mental and emotional health.

Children learn best through play. Let's not mention that its fun! Play gets them moving. Play helps them learn critical thinking skills, how to negotiate, and empathize. Schools are hyper-focused on grades and assessments at the expense of helping grow physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy people.

What can we do as parents to help our children be less anxious in the world. Encourage them to play. Turn off their devices and take them outside, dance with them in the kitchen as dinner is made, or snuggle with them as a book is read. We can teach them how to really breathe (slow and deep), to notice the wonderful things around them, and to be gracious. Yoga is a wonderful tool to help us all reduce anxiety, and of course there is prayer and mediation. Help your anxious child slow down, and maybe, as a side benefit, you'll reduce your own anxiety in the process.