Children with parents fighting overseas are sure to experience anxiety over the situation. There are many ways to help a child to learn ways to handle their anxiety. Developing these skills early on can help them to manage stress throughout their lives.
Teaching Kids to Breathe
Some of the same breathing tools that adults use to manage their stress can be good for children too. Encourage your child to take big breaths when they are worried or scared. They can also count or play naming games to help them handle anxiety. For example, if you child is dealing with nightmares caused by their anxiety, sit with them and have them name objects in their bedroom: “there’s my clock”, “there’s my chair”, “there are my legos.” Naming familiar things is a simple grounding tool to help them relax and let go of anxiety.
Finding Fun Outlets
Just like adults, children need ways to manage their stress that are fun and productive. Exploring new hobbies, playing games, and participating in sports or the arts can all be great stress-reducers and ways to let your kids stay kids, even when they have more anxiety than others their age. Finding good outlets for stress that the whole family can do together is great way to blend family time into stress relief. Make time to go for a hike as a family or bake cookies to enjoy together.
Let Them Write
Have your child write down or dictate to you the things they’re worried about and go through the list with them one by one. Many of their anxieties are things that you can help them to feel better about by providing them with answers and information to relief their fears. Making a list like this allows children to cross off their anxieties and get them out of their head. It also lets the parent see what is going on and isolate ways to help.
