How we approach our children when they aren’t able to speak about what bothers them can change the outlook. Here are a few tips to help you along the way –

1. Feeling safe is the number one thing a child feels comfort

2. Talking, when feeling safe they are able to start processing their thoughts

3. Getting down to their level of what their worry is often makes it real for them and feeling understood

4. Drawing – art therapy is one amazing tool that helps a child express their thoughts

5. More knowledge of their fear the more empowering feeling it becomes for a child. Knowledge is power- embrace it!

6. Deep Breathing or as we often call it Mindfulness techniques are a tool that even adults use when things get overbearing .

7. As parents we cannot see the sight of our own child buried in their worries, give them the time to tell you, it makes a child feel they can reach out and know you’re there . A listening ear is far more productive than fixing their issues for them .

8. Always ask your child – is there anything you need from me? It allows them to understand you are there for them no matter what.

Anxiousness often subsides, but when we are in the moment, it feels like an eternity. And validate that feeling! It’s okay to feel that, it’s their emotions, it’s part of them , therefore it become meaningful , no matter how big or small.