As a parent, it’s crucial to understand the early anxiety symptoms in children to provide the necessary support and guidance. Socialising from a young age is a key part of a child’s development and even now, three years after the pandemic, children are still feeling the effects of the lockdowns and restrictions.
The most common signs of anxiety in children include:
- Unexplained physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches
- Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
- Avoidance of social situations or activities they previously enjoyed
- Excessive worrying or fear about specific situations
- Irritability, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to talk to your child and support them. Here are some tips to reduce anxiety in children:
- Create a calm environment at home by setting up routines and schedules.
- Encourage open communication and validate their feelings.
- Teach relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization.
- Promote physical activity to help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Seek professional help if needed, such as therapy or counselling.
Another way to build your child’s socialisation skills is to go on days out. Here at Tops, we take the children on trips to local parks, beaches, libraries and markets to allow them to interact with other children and adults. But it is also important to give them this skill-building opportunity outside of nursery, for example going on family picnics, or a day out to Paultons Park.
By being aware of early anxiety symptoms and taking steps to reduce and manage anxiety, you can help your child lead a happier and healthier life.
