Parents want what is best for their children and this can sometimes mean pushing them into situations they are not comfortable in. As a parent, you probably think it will make them better at handling the situation or even assist them in overcoming anxiety.
However, the truth is pushing children too hard can make them even more socially anxious. It’s important to know how to deal with them.
Get Them Into Childcare
It’s important to check the reputation of your chosen, childcare facility first. This will ensure they are sympathetic to the issues and will work with you to help your child overcome them.
Centres such as this early learning centre Beverly Hills are a good option.
By sending your child you will be exposing them to a variety of social situations. It may not eliminate the anxiety but it will help them to cope with this type of situation.
Talk To Them
Your aim is not to eliminate their anxiety. Nothing you can say or do will achieve this, no matter how bizarre you may find it. Instead, you need to help them understand what causes anxiety and how they can deal with situations that make them anxious.
The best way to do this is to talk to them about socially anxious situations. This will help you and them to identify exactly what makes them anxious and to come up with a plan to help them deal with that anxiety.
Doing this gives you the opportunity to verify their feelings and display empathy. At the same time, you can encourage your child by telling them you believe they have the confidence to tackle anything.
Keep Lead-Ups Short
If your child is likely to be anxious about something then give them as little time as possible to be anxious. That means giving them enough warning that they will go where they need to go but no more warning than is strictly necessary.
This reduces their ability to become anxious and helps them to learn to tackle what they are scared of.
Share Your Own Anxieties
Tell your child about something that you’re anxious about and how you dealt with it. Then, make sure they see this facing your anxieties in action. Knowing that they are not unique in dealing with social anxiety will make it easier for them to face their fears and beat them.
After all, children love to mimic parents and if they can see you facing your fears they will do the same.
Avoid Direct Questions
Children can be socially anxious for many reasons, but it’s particularly relevant when meeting new people. Talk to them but don’t give them an opportunity to dwell on that anxiety. For example, ask them how they feel about a specific event as opposed to asking if they are worried or anxious about it. The latter triggers their anxiety, the first doesn’t and will help them conquer social anxiety in the long term.
You should always encourage your child to face different situations and tell them how proud you are of them when they try hard or achieve success.
