As back-to-school season wraps up, social media is awash with snapshots of cheerful, well-dressed kids ready for new adventures. Parents, alongside their little ones, beam with pride at these fresh starts. Yet, for some families, this time can be a stark reminder of the challenges posed by childhood anxiety.
In our household, we’ve had our share of ups and downs. Both of my kids have battled anxiety, often triggered by their own health issues. It’s essential to highlight the word “battled” because anxiety isn’t always visible or easy to articulate—it’s a silent struggle.
You might see tears, stress, and a lack of appetite—moments when a once-joyful child seems to retreat into themselves, leaving parents bewildered and heartbroken. Anxiety can feel like an unshakable weight. I’ve witnessed my children pacing the floors at night, gripped by nausea, or hovering over the toilet, too anxious to even think straight. It can be exhausting for everyone involved.
But here’s the silver lining: there’s hope! Over the years, we’ve explored various strategies to manage anxiety. Therapy and medication have played a significant role in our journey, but on days when things feel more manageable, self-awareness becomes our guiding star.
Important Questions to Consider
When anxiety strikes, we kick off with a few important questions:
- What feelings are you experiencing?
- Can you identify what’s causing these feelings?
- What does your best self look like, and how can we help you get there?
- What are some safe spaces for you?
- How have you navigated through tough times before?
As a parent, it’s a delicate balance between acknowledging your child’s struggles and encouraging them to keep pushing forward. It’s a heart-tugging journey, but gently nudging them to keep trying is vital for reclaiming a sense of “normal.” And when we do make progress, we celebrate those small wins, reminding ourselves of what “normal” looks and feels like.
Just the other day, my daughter, Lily, brought home her first middle school assignment—a self-awareness project intended to help her teachers learn about their students. One prompt asked, “What’s a challenge for you?” As she hesitated, my heart raced. But then she wrote, “I have anxiety. It makes it hard to focus when I’m with my friends. In homeroom, I feel lost until I get into the flow of the day. If I feel anxious, I promise to tell you.”
Wow! I wished I had that kind of clarity at her age. It’s empowering to see her articulate her feelings so openly.
Though both of my kids are doing well right now, anxiety can rear its head unexpectedly. Experiencing both the weight of anxiety and the lightness of freedom from it gives us a profound appreciation for what “normal” can be.
As the school year progresses, Lily has been proactive—chatting with the school nurse, taking walks with the therapy dog, and using meditation apps. While the first day of school brought smiles and photo ops, I cherish her ability to recognize her own feelings and express her needs.
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In summary, childhood anxiety is a very real challenge that many families face. By fostering open communication, encouraging self-awareness, and celebrating progress, parents can support their children through tough times, helping them to navigate their emotions and find their way back to a sense of normalcy.