Feelings of anxiety are common in children and adolescents. These include fears about harm to themselves or loved ones, vague “worries,” distress or “butterflies” when they are asked to engage in a feared activity, or concerns such as a headache or stomachache, associated with fears.
A certain level of anxiety is typical in some circumstances, such as new situations (and high-stakes testing of adolescents), and naturally protects against real dangers. However, anxiety can sometimes keep young people from activities that are important to their development. It is important to help children cope with their fears instead of avoiding the things that make them fearful.
In addition, try one or more of the following activities:
Have your child listen to soothing, relaxing, and meaningful music before a stressful situation, to calm themselves after a stressful situation, or at the end of the day to relax and help themselves get to sleep....
