Keeping the Calm Anxiety & Kids
Back to School Edition
In this podcast, we explore common anxiety-related behaviors that parents and caregivers may observe in their children.
These behaviours can include excessive worrying, trouble sleeping, irritability, avoidance of certain activities, and physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches.
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We also discuss effective strategies that parents have found helpful in managing their children’s stress, worry, and anxiety.
Engage Podcast
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Episode # 2 • Jan 2025 • 33 mins
Hosted by Simone
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Relationship Educator, Anglicare WA​
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For the kids
These strategies might include:
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Routine and Structure: Establishing a consistent daily routine to provide a sense of security.
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Relaxation Techniques: Teaching children deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or other relaxation methods.
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Open Communication: Encouraging children to talk about their feelings and validating their emotions.
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Positive Reinforcement: Praising and rewarding children for their efforts to manage anxiety.
For the grown-ups
The importance of parents and caregivers managing their own stress, worry, and anxiety. By maintaining their own emotional balance, they can better support their children. Techniques that parents find helpful might include:
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Self-Care: Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends.
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Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness or meditation to stay present and reduce stress.
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Seeking Support: Talking to a therapist or joining a support group to share experiences and gain insights.
Fight Flight Freeze... and fawn
To understand anxiety, it’s helpful to explore what’s happening in our brain and body.
The Fight-Flight-Freeze response is the body’s automatic, built-in system designed to protect us from threat or danger.
Anxiety is part of our survival instinct. When we’re faced with a threatening situation, our brains and bodies respond by kicking into safety mode.
Our adrenalin starts pumping, helping us get ready to escape the danger.
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However, some people, including children, react more quickly or intensely to situations they find threatening, or find it harder to get their anxious feelings under control. Some kids also perceive the world to be scarier or more dangerous than others.
A Guide to Anxiety for kids
Viewing times: 2 minutes, 12 seconds
A Guide to Anxiety for Teens
Viewing times: 2minutes, 41 seconds
The Window of Tolerance
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We all have 'unique windows of tolerance.'
Understanding the window of tolerance can be helpful when viewing your child’s behaviours.
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When kids feel really anxious, they can learn ways to stay within their “window of tolerance,” which is the range where they can handle their emotions and stress without feeling overwhelmed.
Here are some simple ideas:
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Staying Present: Techniques like grounding and mindfulness can help kids stay in the present moment. By focusing on what they can see, hear, or touch, they can stay within their window of tolerance and feel calmer.
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Therapy: Talking to a therapist can be very helpful. Therapists can teach kids these calming techniques and provide a safe space to talk about their feelings. This can help them stay within their window of tolerance and handle stress better. See AnglicareWA supports here
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Understanding Emotions: Therapy can also help kids understand and manage their emotions without feeling overwhelmed. This can make it easier for them to stay within their window of tolerance and deal with difficult situations.
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Derealisation and Depersonalisation: Sometimes, anxiety can make the world feel strange or make kids feel like they’re watching their life from outside their body.
These feelings are called derealisation and depersonalisation. It’s important to know that these feelings are just a part of anxiety and can be managed with the right help.
By learning these skills, kids can stay within their window of tolerance and feel more in control of their anxiety.
Reference: goodtherapy.org ​
The Window of Tolerance
Viewing time: 6 minutes and 47 seconds
It’s important for parents to monitor their own window of tolerance when supporting their children.
This means being aware of your own emotional and stress levels, and recognising when you might be feeling overwhelmed or having an emotional reaction.
By maintaining your own emotional balance, you can better support your child through their anxiety.
Remember, taking care of yourself is not only beneficial for you but also sets a positive example for your child on how to manage stress and emotions effectively.
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