The latest study by the CDC concluded that approximately 5.8 million children suffer from anxiety in the United States. A large percentage of these children specifically suffer from social anxiety.
However, children with social anxiety do not often understand how to overcome these issues. Guidance from parents can benefit children as they teach them how to cope with social situations.
Continue reading to learn how to help a child with social anxiety!
1. Educate on Social Anxiety
Social anxiety revolves around any fear or nervousness when in a social setting. This issue can cause problems for people of all ages, especially children.
A social anxiety disorder in kids can be detrimental to their mental growth. Many times children don’t understand this disorder and what causes it.
Therefore, adults should educate their children on social anxiety. Doing so can help children understand why they have certain feelings. You can also consult experts for help when educating your children.
2. Preparation
Overcoming social anxiety can be difficult without any strategy. Preparation is an essential step to getting over these fears.
Before your child is faced with a social setting, you should thoroughly prepare them. Explain every detail of the environment and who they should expect to encounter. Be sure to be as descriptive as possible about the situation.
Doing so will help them be mentally ready for the outing. This preparation should ease their mind, as no surprises should arise.
3. Coping Mechanisms
Coping with social anxiety is almost impossible without the proper skills. Most children don’t understand these coping skills and how to obtain them. Teaching your child these mechanisms can impact their mental health positively.
You can teach your child techniques you can do together and on their own. This makes them depend on their coping skills when you’re not around. Some helpful coping mechanisms include:
- Deep breathing
- Counting
- Drawing
- Reframing thoughts
- Distract the mind
Each of these techniques can help put your child’s mind at ease. Remember to practice these skills to ensure your child can do them independently.
4. Have Conversations
Anxiety is a sensitive subject for many families throughout the country. Sadly, anxiety is often viewed as a weakness or flaw. Having conversations with your children about social anxiety can help them believe otherwise.
Encourage your child to be open about their anxiety with you. Ask them questions about how they’re feeling and what can make it better. Doing so will prevent them from hiding their anxiety and being closed off.
5. Offer Support and Understanding
Any form of anxiety can be a scary thing to deal with each day. Your child needs your support and understanding to make them feel better.
Always be available to listen to your child’s fears. Once they voice their concerns, reassure them that you are there for them no matter what. Doing so will allow them to trust you with any of their thoughts and feelings.
Learn How to Help a Child With Social Anxiety
Learning how to help a child with social anxiety will benefit today’s youth. Remember always to teach them coping mechanisms and offer support.
Don’t forget to contact us today so that we can help with any of your child’s mental issues. We will take the best care of them at Balance Kids!