Anxiety is a common experience for many people, young and old alike. However, explaining anxiety to kids can be challenging.

As parents, guardians, or caregivers, it’s important to provide children with the tools to understand and cope with their feelings. Let’s explore how to explain anxiety to kids in a way that is accessible, empathetic, and empowering.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress or fear. It’s a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Just like feeling excited before a big event or scared before a test, anxiety is a normal part of being human.

However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming or interferes with daily life, it’s important to address it.

How to Explain Anxiety to Kids

1. Use Age-Appropriate Language: Start by using words and concepts that are appropriate for your child’s age and level of understanding. Keep explanations simple and avoid using jargon or overly complex language.
2. Normalize Feelings: Let your child know that feeling anxious is normal and something that everyone experiences from time to time. This helps reduce any shame or stigma associated with anxiety.
3. Provide Concrete Examples: Use relatable examples to help your child understand what anxiety feels like. For example, you could compare it to the feeling of butterflies in their stomach before a performance or the jitters they might feel before a new school year.
4. Explain the Physical Symptoms: Help your child recognize the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart, sweaty palms, or shallow breathing. Explain that these are the body’s natural response to stress and are nothing to be afraid of.
5. Teach Coping Strategies: Empower your child with coping strategies to manage their anxiety. This could include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or talking to a trusted adult about their feelings.
6. Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable talking about their feelings. Let them know that it’s okay to ask questions and seek help when needed.

Tips for Supporting Anxious Children

• Be Patient and Understanding: It’s important to be patient and understanding when supporting an anxious child. Avoid dismissing their feelings or telling them to “just relax.” Instead, validate their emotions and offer reassurance.
• Lead by Example: Children learn by example, so be mindful of how you manage your own anxiety. Demonstrate healthy coping mechanisms and self-care practices that your child can emulate.
• Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your child’s anxiety is persistent or significantly impacting their daily life, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in working with children.

Final Thought

Explaining anxiety to kids requires empathy, patience, and understanding. By providing age-appropriate explanations, normalizing feelings, and teaching coping strategies, parents can help their children navigate the challenges of anxiety with confidence and resilience.

If you’re looking for a great children’s book on this subject, Fear Not: How To Face Your Fear And Anxiety Head-On by Christina Furnival is a great resource.

Remember, supporting an anxious child is a journey, but with love and support, they can learn to manage their anxiety and thrive.