The Complete Guide for Parenting the Anxious Child

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns for children and adults, affecting upwards of 20% of children and adolescents over the lifespan. Anxious youth are often quiet and well-behaved and thus frequently go unnoticed by their parents, teachers, and coaches. Alternatively, others can be disruptive and act out, labeled as having attention deficit disorder or being a "bad" kid. Both scenarios result in youth failing to receive the help they desperately need. Sadly, untreated anxiety can lead to depression, missed opportunities in career and relationships, increased substance use, and a decreased quality of life.

Parents often say that they knew something different about their child from a very young age but did not immediately recognize it as an anxiety problem. Some waited for their child to "grow out of it," never expecting their child to become even more debilitated over time. Other parents viewed the anxious behaviors as usual as they, too, behaved similarly. As a result, parents of anxious children and teens are often confused about what to do and frustrated and overwhelmed.

Parents play an essential role in helping their child or teen manage anxiety. When coping skills and brave behavior is rewarded and practiced in the home, children and teens can learn to face their fears, take reasonable risks, and ultimately gain confidence.