You would think worry is something specific to adulthood. Children are neither saddled with jobs, nor keeping other humans alive. They do not have to deal with finances, keep the family structure solid and no horrible bosses, so what do they have to worry about?
Turns out, plenty. There are many sources of stress in the lives of children. It may be to do with school; they are struggling with friends, are facing bullying, are not happy with their academics, are being mocked in gym class.
There is also the stress pertaining to family; are my parents happy with me, my grades will disappoint my parents etc.. Siblings are another source of stress, especially when there is sibling rivalry present as well.
Body image is also a struggle with children. Thanks to beauty magazines and social media, people are now more than ever fixated on looks. Teenage girls are highly vulnerable to body image issues. They might then also get eating disorders that not only lead to mental trauma but jeopardize physical health, meriting a visit then to the Child specialist in Lahore.
When there is change in the environment of the children, whether it be moving cities or school, it may also then increase in their worry. They are also more prone to worrying with changes in their lives, whether it be moving to new grade, or learning something new like sports or driving, etc.
Helping your children
If you see your child struggling with worry, you must then help them through this process. They might not always ask for your help, you as a parent, it’s your job to recognize their struggle and help with remedying the situation.
Ask
If you suspect your child to be struggling, do not always wait for them to approach you. Instead, ask them, but do not push them. Query into their wellbeing.
Hope
Always teach your child to be hopeful, not matter how bleak the situation seems.
Listen to them
If your child comes to you with their worry, you must listen to them carefully. Do not shrug it off as a trivial problem. Similarly, do not belittle their worry by calling it juvenile or such words.
So, give them your full attention when they talk to you. Ask the correct questions. Lead them on so that they are able to work the problem out. Do not cut them or hurry them along; give them your complete attention.
Spend quality time with them
Don’t you feel better after ranting about your boss to your partner or friend? Doesn’t a day out with friends, talking your heart out, help ease your worry?
Similar is the case with children. They will also feel better when they are able to unload their worries to their parents, who can then offer perspective and wisdom to help deal with the situation.
During these sessions, be sure to not add onto their worry by making them think that they made a big blunder. Hence, be careful about your choice of words. You want to offer them hope, not aggravate their condition.
Teach them how to handle situations
During worrisome situations, you need not to micromanage your child. Let them work out the solution themselves, whilst offering help and support through the process. Guide them of course, but if you label the entire game plan, they will not learn from the experience.
Help is important
If you do not address the issue of worry, stress, and anxiety in children, it may become worse. It will not only affect their behavioral and emotional health but also take a significant toll on their mental health.
Issues like stress and depression then also impair physical health, requiring the intervention of your Child specialist in Islamabad. Hence, if you see your child excessively worrying and are unable to address it, then get them help from a counselor or therapist.