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How to help my boy deal with anxiety

Nana

Hello,

I need some help, please. My gorgeous boy is about to turn 7 and can be extremely anxious. He has been experiencing tummy aches, he says, everytime he has bad thoughts. I know exactly what he is thinking of now but I do not know what to say to ease his anxiety. I know it must sound silly  but would you tell me what has helped your children or yourselves when you were children, please? Thank you 

Parents

  • Hi Nana, sorry to hear about the stressful situation with your 7-year-old. I've had bad anxiety all my life (now in my 40s). He needs familiar comfort, and likely hasn't developed healthy self-soothing techniques (he's too young). Honestly, the best thing is to try somehow to get him thinking about ANYTHING else. Try getting him talking about any topic other than the one that is causing anxiety. If he has any organisational activities (maybe like puzzles) that could also be a good distraction for the mind.

    Ultimately, the source of his anxiety, his bad thoughts, will need to be addressed, but I would seek some professional (doctors) help to ensure it's done in a safe and comforting way. Best of luck!

Reply

  • Hi Nana, sorry to hear about the stressful situation with your 7-year-old. I've had bad anxiety all my life (now in my 40s). He needs familiar comfort, and likely hasn't developed healthy self-soothing techniques (he's too young). Honestly, the best thing is to try somehow to get him thinking about ANYTHING else. Try getting him talking about any topic other than the one that is causing anxiety. If he has any organisational activities (maybe like puzzles) that could also be a good distraction for the mind.

    Ultimately, the source of his anxiety, his bad thoughts, will need to be addressed, but I would seek some professional (doctors) help to ensure it's done in a safe and comforting way. Best of luck!

Children
  • in reply to Sean

    Thank you, Sean Fitzgerald. I find it very hard to see him question me about things he should not be thinking about at this young age. I believe that I should give his fears a voice to let them out but I want to reassure him at the same time.. And that is what I struggle with because I still have not learnt how. I am very anxious myself. He is on the waiting list for therapy and hopefully it won't be too long.