Helping Kids Conquer Worry
To help your kids manage what's worrying them:
Find out what's on their minds: Be available and take an interest in
what's happening at school, on the team, and with your kids' friends. Take casual
opportunities to ask how it's going. As you listen to stories of the day's events,
be sure to ask about what your kids think and feel about what happened.
If your child seems to be worried about something, ask about it. Encourage kids
to put what's bothering them into words. Ask for key details and listen. Sometimes
just sharing the story with you can help lighten their load.
Show you care and understand. Being interested in your child's
concerns shows they're important to you, too, and helps kids feel supported and understood.
Reassuring comments can help — but usually only after you've heard your child
out. Say that you understand your child's feelings and the problem.
Guide kids to solutions. You can help reduce worries by helping
kids learn to deal with challenging situations. When your child tells you about a
problem, offer to help come up with a solution together. If your son is worried about
an upcoming math test, for example, offering to help him study will lessen his
concern about it.
In most situations, resist the urge to jump in and fix a problem for your child
— instead, think it through and come up with possible solutions together. Problem-solve
with kids, rather than for them. By taking an active role, kids
learn how to tackle a problem on their own.
Keep things in perspective. Without minimizing a child's feelings,
point out that many problems are temporary and solvable, and that there will be better
days and other opportunities to try again. Teaching kids to keep problems in perspective
can lessen their worry and help build strength, resilience, and the optimism
to try again. Remind your kids that whatever happens, things will be OK.
So, for example, if your son is worried about whether he'll get the lead in the
school play, remind him that there's a play every season — if he doesn't get
the part he wants this time, he'll have other opportunities. Acknowledge how important
this is to him and let him know that regardless of the outcome, you're proud that
he tried out and gave it his best shot.
Make a difference. Sometimes kids worry about big stuff —
like terrorism, war, or global warming — that they hear about at school or on
the news. Parents can help by discussing these issues, offering accurate information,
and correcting any misconceptions kids might have. Try to reassure kids by talking
about what adults are doing to tackle the problem to keep them safe.
Be aware that your own reaction to global events affects kids, too. If you express
anger and stress about a world event that's beyond your control, kids are likely
to react that way too. But if you express your concern by taking a proactive
approach to make a positive difference, your kids will feel more optimistic and empowered
to do the same.
So look for things you can do with your kids to help everyone feel like you're
making a positive difference. You can't stop a war, for example, but your family can
contribute to an organization that works for peace or helps kids in war-torn countries.
Or your family might perform community service to give your kids the experience of
volunteering.
Offer reassurance and comfort. Sometimes when kids are worried,
what they need most is a parent's reassurance and comfort. It might come in the form
of a hug, some heartfelt words, or time spent together. It helps kids to know that,
whatever happens, parents will be there with love and support.
Sometimes kids need parents to show them how to let go of worry rather than dwell
on it. Know when it's time to move on, and help kids shift gears. Lead the way by
introducing a topic that's more upbeat or an activity that will create a lighter mood.
Highlight the positive. Ask your kids what they enjoyed about
their day, and listen when they tell you about what goes great for them or what they
had fun doing. Give plenty of airtime to the good things that happen. Let them tell
you what they think and feel about their successes, achievements, and positive experiences
— and what they did to help things turn out so well.
Schedules are busy, but make sure there's time for your kids to do little things
they feel good doing. Daily doses of positive emotions and experiences — like
enjoyment, gratitude, love, amusement, relaxation, fun, and interest — offset
stress and help kids do well.
Be a good role model. The most powerful lessons we teach kids
are the ones we demonstrate. Your response to your own worries, stress, and frustrations
can go a long way toward teaching your kids how to deal with everyday challenges.
If you're rattled or angry when dealing with a to-do list that's too long, your kids
will learn that as the appropriate response to stress.
Instead, look on the bright side and voice optimistic thoughts about your own situations
at least as often as you talk about what bothers or upsets you. Set a good
example with your reactions to problems and setbacks. Responding with optimism and
confidence teaches kids that problems are temporary and tomorrow's another day. Bouncing
back with a can-do attitude will help your kids do the same.
Date reviewed: August 2018