These 5 Phrases Can Help to Calm an Anxious Child

By Dr. Daemon Jones Expert HERWriter

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5 Phrases That Can Help to Calm an Anxious Child

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Children learn by experiencing the world through their senses and their emotions. It is wondrous to watch and help our children develop especially when they are having happy experiences.

In addition to happy times our children also endure unpleasant experiences like anxiety. These emotions are scary for children and they look to their parents to help them handle these feelings.

When our children are having feelings like anxiety, using strategies and phrases to talk to your child about how to get calm helps them learn techniques that they can use for the rest of their lives.

In his book "The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind, Survive Everyday Parenting Struggles, and Help Your Family Thrive," Dr. Daniel J. Siegel shares a holistic approach to raising children.

Strategy #8 in Siegel's book is called "Let the Clouds of Emotion Roll By: Teaching That Feelings Come and Go." Some of the best ways to do that is to use simple phrases with your children when they are feeling anxious.

Here are my top five phrases from an article in the Huffington Post called "49 Phrases to Calm an Anxious Child." These are my favorites because the are based on mindfulness practices that have been adapted to work for children.

1) “I’m taking a deep breath.”

Teach your child how take deep breaths by breathing with them. You can even allow them to sit on your lap and feel your breathing.

2) “Can you draw it?”

Drawing is a creative way to express your thoughts and feelings. It is a great way to help kids understand what is causing them to feel uncomfortable.

3) “Close your eyes. Picture this ...”

Visualization is a way to ease anxiety. Guiding your child to feel safe and happy feelings can reverse anxiety.

4) “We’re going for a walk.”

Exercise can change the situation and alleviate anxiety.

5) “Let’s write a new story.”

Let your child rewrite the situation that is uncomfortable and make it safe for the child.

When your child is feeling anxious it is great to have strategies to help them reduce their anxiety. Try these and let us know what you think.

Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Daemon Jones
Dr. Dae's website: www.HealthyDaes.com

Dr. Dae's Bio:

Dr. Daemon Jones is your diabetes reversal, hormones, metabolism and weight loss expert. Dr. Dae is a naturopathic doctor who treats patients all over the country using Skype and phone appointments. Visit her or schedule a free consultation at her website www.HealthyDaes.com

Reviewed May 31, 2016
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

Article Sources

49 Phrases to Calm an Anxious Child. Huffingtonpost.com. May 27, 2016.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/renee-jain/49-phrases-to-calm-an-anxious-child_b_9399650.html

Whole-Brain Strategy #8: Let the Clouds of Emotion Roll By: Teaching That Feelings Come and Go. Tapestryministry.org. May 27, 2016.
http://tapestryministry.org/whole-brain-strategy-8-let-the-clouds-of-emotions-roll-by-teaching-that-feelings-come-and-go

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.