What Adults Can Do For Children’s Anxiety Cheat Sheet

Home Strategies

Declutter the home environment

Model Emotional Independence – Stress Contagion – You are in charge of managing your feelings

Move

Meditation/Breathing

Provide Responsibilities and Praise Independence

Limit Electronic Device Use

Have a consistent morning and evening routine

Eat Real Food

Some Suggestions:

Some stress is good

Take care of your own stress

Model what you want your children to do and be

Move

Practice Finding What is Right

Pause, Meditate, Breathe

What We Teach at School

Change of State – Go for a walk

Go outside

Get a drink of water

Find What Comforts You: Hugs, Cuddling in a Blanket, Talking to Someone, Listen to Music

Positive Self Talk

Belly Breathing

Movement

Identifying Triggers

What Not to Do

Eat Sugar and Simple Carbohydrates

Self Medicating

Negative Self Talk

“Victimizing”

About Anxiousness:

Anxiousness is a learned trait

Anxiousness is part of a Belief Pattern

Beliefs are Hereditary – they are in our DNA

We Can Train Our Brains to Manage Anxiety

Anxiety Chemicals Released From the Body:

Increases production of cortisol and adrenaline

Cortisol – Designed to be used in situations of “acute stress” helps the body get ready for physical action

increases inflammation in the body

Temporarily activates immune system (tiger vs. bacteria)

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

Affects other hormones, DHEA, progesterone, estrogen

Love Chemicals Released in the Body:

Dopamine – increase in pleasure, motivation, decrease in sadness

Vasopressant – increase in sexuality, attraction and decrease in anxiety

Oxytocin – increase in trust, attachment and decrease in fear

Top Ten List - How to Raise an Anxious Child

Keep a Cluttered Space

Avoid all routines and predictability

Allow plenty of electronic time, especially evenings and bedtimes.

It is never your child’s responsibility. Make sure when something painful or uncomfortable happens, that you immediately fight their battles and protect them at all costs.

Provide no responsibilities or duties around the household.

Give them toys, money and food every time something difficult happens.

Feed them sweets, refined carbohydrates and fried foods. Avoid healthy fats, fruits and vegetables and protein

Hugging, physical contact, and positive eye contact are big no nos

Avoid physical activity, especially unstructured play and outdoor activities.

Don’t take care of your own anxiousness. Never take responsibility for your own feelings or circumstances. It is ALWAYS someone else’s fault.