As a parent, seeing your child struggling with anxiety can be heartbreaking. You want to help, but you may not know where to start. Fortunately, there are many strategies and techniques that you can use to support your child and help them manage their anxiety. Here is a guide to help you get started:

1. Please educate yourself about anxiety: Before you can help your child, it's essential to understand what anxiety is and how it affects the body and mind. Many resources are available online and in books to help you learn more about anxiety and how to support your child. You can also contact me, Rae, the Anxiety Coach, for additional help and guidance.

2. Create a safe and supportive environment: One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to create a safe and supportive environment for your child. This means being present and attentive when your child needs you, validating their feelings, and avoiding judgment or criticism.

3. Help your child develop coping strategies: Many effective coping strategies can help your child manage their anxiety, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation. Please work with your child to identify the best methods for them and encourage them to practice these techniques regularly. Breathwork serves as a great coping mechanism for anxiety in teens and older. But not for adolescence.

4. Encourage healthy habits: A healthy lifestyle can significantly impact anxiety levels. Encourage your child to eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and engage in regular physical activity. This should also include limiting their time on screens each day. A lot of evidence suggests that being in front of a screen all day, or even worse on social media, welcomes stress and anxiety.

5. Seek professional help: If your child's anxiety is severe or interfering with their daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide your child with additional support and guidance. The stigma that they will have to work with a therapist or a psychiatrist no longer applies. Mental health coaches specializing in healing stress and anxiety are an excellent exploratory option when searching for your child.

6. Practice self-care: Finally, it's important to practice self-care as a parent. As a parent, if you are constantly stressed out and all over the place, chances are those feelings and emotions will be absorbed by your child. Taking care of yourself will allow you better to support your child and model healthy coping strategies.

Remember, supporting a child with anxiety is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and persistence. By working with your child and providing them with the support they need, you can help them manage their anxiety and thrive.