How to Help Anxious Children

1.      Help the child make and rehearse a practical plan for handling a threatening situation.

2.      Help the child try things he fears, but don’t force.  Take one step at a time.

3.      Encourage the child to talk with you when they are afraid.

4.      Take the child’s fears seriously and don’t ridicule.

5.      Be an example of calm by getting your own anxieties under control.

6.      Monitor TV, books, toys, and relationships as a source of fear.

7.      Don’t confuse normal age-appropriate caution with fear.

8.      Help the child examine their beliefs that lead to fear.

9.      Praise small achievements when the child overcomes anxiety-producing situations.

10.  Teach the child to pray, making requests to God, with thanksgiving, (Philippians 4:6-7).

Children and Mental Health