Strategies for parents to support children dealing with anxiety

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Experts are offering key strategies to parents for supporting their children who suffer from anxiety. Along with maintaining a calm home environment and engaging in open discussions about emotions, experts suggest the practice of co-regulation, where parents help manage their child's emotional state by staying calm and responsive during anxious moments. Teaching children self-empathy is also crucial, enabling them to recognize and accept their feelings without judgment. Additionally, seeking professional help when necessary and exploring therapeutic activities like mindfulness exercises can also be beneficial.

Source

Murray, D. W., Rosanbalm, K., Christopoulos, C., & Hamoudi, A. (2015). Self-regulation and toxic stress: Foundations for understanding self-regulation from an applied developmental perspective (OPRE Report 2015-21). Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Additional Reading

https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/11/health/children-anxiety-parenting-wellness/index.html

https://childmind.org/article/treating-anxiety-in-kids-by-working-with-parents/

https://www.unicef.org/rosa/stories/supporting-children-depression-stress-and-anxiety