Do you ever find yourself wondering if your child is feeling anxious? It can be hard to tell at times, especially if your child is not always forthcoming with how they're feeling. Luckily, there are a few signs that you can look out for to help you determine whether or not your child may be struggling with anxiety.
This blog post will outline some of those signs so that you can start to become more aware of them and get your child the help they may need.
They're always restless and fidgety.
Children who are anxious may feel a natural and often unconscious impulse to keep moving in order to release their energy or relieve their anxious thoughts. They may also have difficulty sitting still because they are constantly on the lookout for anything that could threaten their safety.
They have a hard time sleeping or eating.
Children who are in a state of anxiety are often in "fight or flight" mode, which means their bodies are on high alert. As a result, they may experience faster heart rates, rapid breathing, and upset stomachs. All of these physical symptoms can make it difficult for children to get a good night's sleep or to sit down and enjoy a meal.
Their schoolwork is suffering.
Anxious children are often trying to cope with a lot of stress and worry, and that can be very distracting. So, they may have difficulty concentrating or paying attention in class. They may start missing homework assignments or forgetting to turn in completed work. They may also start avoiding class or skipping school altogether.
They seem to be withdrawing from friends and family.
Anxious children may withdraw from friends and family because they feel like they can't cope with social situations. This is often due to the fact that they are constantly bombarded with signs of danger, whether it's real or imagined. They may start to withdraw from friends and family as a way of avoiding potential triggers. In extreme cases, they may start to believe that the world is a scary place and that they're not capable of dealing with it.
They are always worried about making mistakes.
This may seem like a silly thing to worry about, but for a child with anxiety, the fear of making a mistake can be all-consuming. Mistakes can feel like they have huge consequences, and they may dread the thought of being embarrassed or ridiculed by their peers. Anxious children can easily correlate making mistakes with feeling inadequate or experiencing rejection.
To Wrap Up….
If you're seeing these signs in your child, it's time to take a closer look at what might be going on. Anxiety can be paralyzing for kids and adults alike, but there are ways to get help. Talk to your doctor or therapist about finding the best treatment plan for your child—one that will help them feel more confident and relaxed.
It can be tough watching our children struggle, but with the right support they can learn how to manage their anxiety and thrive. To help you on this journey, we have some tips on what you can do when your child is anxious. And if you want to help remedy your child’s anxiety with stress or emotional management, in a way that’s fun and creative for your child, check out our line of crafts, approved by certified therapists to aid in social-emotional learning skills while brightening your child’s day!
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