7 Ways to Help Kids When They Worry

The recent weather events in New Zealand have left many children feeling anxious and overwhelmed 😰 . As a mother, it's hard to see your child struggling with difficult emotions, especially worry!

But worry is a natural human emotion and is a common feeling in kids. Although worrying can be normal, too much worry, especially after a traumatic event like the recent flooding and cyclone, can lead to anxiety and stress, and this can have a negative impact on a child's emotional well-being.

As a parent, you can help your child to manage their worries and develop the skills they need to deal with difficult situations.

Here are 7 ways to help your child when they worry.

1. Acknowledge their feelings - One of the most important things you can do is to acknowledge your child's feelings. When you take your child's worries seriously, they will feel heard and validated. Don't dismiss your child's worries as silly or unimportant, even if you don't think they are a big deal. Instead, let them know that you understand that their worries are real and that you want to help them.
2. Create a calm environment - It is important to create a calm and peaceful environment for your child. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Make sure that your home is a safe and nurturing space for your child. Encourage quiet time, play soothing music, or have a relaxing bath to help your child to relax.
3. Teach mindfulness techniques - Mindfulness is a powerful technique that can help your child to manage their worries. Encourage your child to take deep breaths, meditate, or practice yoga. Mindfulness helps to create a sense of calm and awareness, which can help to reduce anxiety and stress.
4. Encourage positive self-talk - Self-talk is the way we talk to ourselves in our minds. Encourage your child to talk to themselves in a positive way. When your child worries, ask them to think about what they would say to a friend who was in the same situation. This can help your child to reframe their thoughts and create a positive mindset. Our Positive Affirmation Card Set is the perfect tool to help.
5. Promote healthy habits - Healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep habits are important for emotional well-being. Encourage your child to get plenty of exercise, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep. These healthy habits can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
6. Practice gratitude - Practicing gratitude can help your child to focus on the positive things in their life, which can be a powerful tool in managing worry and anxiety. Encourage your child to make a list of things they are grateful for each day, or to take a few moments to reflect on the good things that have happened to them. This can help your child to develop a more positive outlook and build resilience. Additionally, expressing gratitude to others can help to strengthen relationships and create a sense of connectedness and support. See some of the awesome science behind gratitude here.
7. Seek professional help if necessary - If your child's worries are affecting their daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help your child to develop coping strategies and learn how to manage their anxiety. It is important to seek professional help if your child's worries are affecting their daily life or if you are concerned about their emotional well-being. (See professional resources below)

Worry is a normal part of life, but it is important to help your child manage their worries. By doing these things listed above, you can help your child to develop the essential skills they need to deal with difficult and challenging situations and to thrive emotionally.

You don't have to face this challenge alone.

AwesoME Inc's Toolkits can help your child build resilience and cope with difficult emotions in a positive way. Our resources are designed to help children develop the skills and habits they need to overcome the impact of what has happened and feel more in control.

Our toolkits includes resources to help them learn how to:

😥 Process and communicate difficult emotions
🤗 Foster a positive attitude
👌Build resilience and self-confidence
🫶 Use simple strategies to stay calm and focused
😊 Focus on what is going right.

These tools can help your child feel safe, secure, and more in control after the storm. Give your child the gift of resilience and well-being and help them overcome their anxious feelings.

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Our Resilient Kids Toolkit, Resilient Teen Toolkit and Resilient Family Toolkits have all the resources you need to help you incorporate the above into your everyday routine in a fun and engaging way. It may seem overwhelming to start, so we created these toolkits to make it easy for YOU.

Resilient Kids Toolkit Show ME

Resilient Teen Toolkit Show ME

Resilient Family Toolkit Show ME

See our full range of Toolkits HERE 

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NEW ZEALAND

• 1737: Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time.
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
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• Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans: 0800 726 666
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• GP/Doctor Directory: Health Navigator
• Police: If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.