My kids are worried all the time. As someone who suffers from severe anxiety, I’ve got an arsenal of tools to use at all times. But with kids it can be so tricky.
It breaks my heart to see my little ones so worried about such big things when all I want is for them to play and have fun. One of the many things we do to keep worry at bay, is to teach them positive affirmations and remind them to repeat to themselves during hard times.
22 Phrases To Calm A Worried Kid
“I can get through this just like before.”
Remind themselves that this has happened many times and each time the anxiety always eventually goes away.
“This thought will pass.”
“What is the worst that will happen?”
This is one of my favorites because it takes them through the anxiety all the way to the other side. For instance, my son worries about me a lot and I like for him to be able to understand that even if that bad thing happened to me, I would be ok and life would go on.
“I will write my worry down.”
Then crumple it up and throw it away! There is a wonderful study on how well this works here.
“I am brave.”
“I am strong.”
“One of my happiest memories is: ___”
Thinking of happy times can be helpful!
“I can take four deep breaths.”
“Everyone gets worried sometimes.”
“I need my mom/dad to help me by…”
Some examples of this might be to hug them tight, remind them they are safe, tell me what to do to relax.
“I am safe.”
Looking around and realizing that they are safe can be effective. Look, there are no threats, your heart is working right, your body is healthy and you are safe.
“I am healthy.”
“I am in charge of my feelings.”
Of course when you’re anxious and worried you feel anything but in control. But we are powerful and we can tell our body what to do.
“I have people that love me.”
“I can relax my muscles.”
“I know this isn’t me, this is my worry.”
“I am a superhero!”
Stand tall in the pose of your favorite action superhero and feel how strong you are.
“I can go get some fresh air.”
“I can listen to my favorite song.”
Music is so powerful. A happy song and a little living room dancing can wash the worry away.
“I can give someone a hug.”
“I can change my surroundings.”
“I’m not the only one anxiety. We’re all in this together.”
. . .
If you’re parenting a child with anxiety I really encourage you take a look at Crush Anxiety. It’s an online course by a child therapist that specializes in anxiety.
I partnered with the creator to give you guys a special discount. It cuts the price all the way down to $97. You can only get this price through my link. For the cost of one therapy session you can get everything you need to help your anxious child. It is so, so good.
Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.
