How to help a child with generalized anxiety?

Helping a child with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves a combination of emotional support, practical strategies, and professional guidance. The goal is to help them manage their worry, build resilience, and feel confident in everyday situations.

Practical ways to support a child with GAD include:

1. Listen and validate their feelings – Let them know it’s okay to feel worried, and reassure them you understand their concerns without dismissing them.

2. Encourage gradual exposure – Instead of avoiding anxiety triggers, help your child face them step-by-step, starting with less challenging situations.

3. Model calm coping behaviours – Children often mirror how adults respond to stress. Demonstrating healthy coping strategies shows them positive ways to handle worry.

4. Build consistent routines – Regular sleep patterns, healthy meals, and predictable daily activities can reduce anxiety by creating a sense of stability.

5. Teach relaxation skills – Breathing exercises, mindfulness activities, or guided imagery can help your child regulate their body’s stress response.

6. Work with professionals – Evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can teach children practical tools to challenge unhelpful thoughts and manage symptoms long-term.

7. Collaborate with their school – Teachers can implement supportive strategies, such as gradual exposure to challenging activities and regular check-ins.

It’s important to remember that every child’s experience of anxiety is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Early professional intervention can prevent anxiety from interfering with learning, friendships, and overall wellbeing.

If your child is struggling with constant worry, avoidance, or physical symptoms of anxiety, taking action now can make a lasting difference. Book a consultation now to explore personalised, child-friendly strategies for managing GAD.