Parenting is a wonderful journey full of joys and challenges, however, turning anxiety into confidence can be a hugely difficult task, regardless of age.
I have three children.
All girls.
All very different in personality.
And each of them has gone through times when they struggled with confidence and anxiety has affected them.
It’s hard for kids to develop confidence because they’re still learning about themselves and the world around them, and they often face new and challenging situations that can make them feel unsure.
This can be really hard for us as parents too.
We feel like all we want to do is wrap them up in cotton wool and let no harm come to them… but if we were to do so, and solve all their problems for them, we actually hinder their development of problem-solving skills, independence, and resilience. That’s why it’s really important to strike a balance between offering support and allowing children to navigate and learn from their own experiences.
Turning anxiety into confidence might seem like a challenging hurdle to overcome, but with a little love, patience, and a few simple steps, it can be done.
First, it’s important to understand that feeling anxious is normal for kids.
Think back to when you were young and felt nervous about school or making new friends. Our job as parents isn’t to take away all their worries but to help them manage their feelings. It’s like teaching them to ride the waves of their emotions instead of being swallowed by them.
By doing so we help them develop emotional resilience so they can handle life’s challenges more effectively, and maintain a balanced, healthy mindset.
Creating a safe, open space at home is a great place to start. Encourage your kids to share their feelings without fear. Listen to them closely and let them know that their feelings are okay. Just knowing someone understands can make a big difference.
Next, teach them some simple ways to cope with anxiety. This can be as easy as deep breathing or imagining themselves in a calm place. Make it fun! Pretend you’re blowing up a balloon when you practice deep breathing, or have them imagine they’re a superhero facing a challenge.
Having a routine can help too. A predictable schedule makes kids feel secure. Make sure there’s time for schoolwork, play, and relaxation. Good sleep, healthy food, and exercise are also key to keeping anxiety in check.
Help your child face their fears in small steps. If they’re scared of school, start by visiting the classroom when it’s empty. Slowly increase the time they spend there. Celebrate every small success, showing them they’re stronger than they think.
Show your child how to be confident by being a good role model. Let them see how you handle your worries calmly. Share stories about times you felt anxious and what you did to feel better. This shows them that everyone feels anxious sometimes and that it’s okay.
Remember, every child is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Be patient with yourself and your child. Celebrate the little victories and know that you’re helping them build confidence that will last a lifetime.
Your love and support are the most powerful tools to help your child turn anxiety into confidence. Together, you can tackle the challenges and cherish the joys of growing up, guiding your child towards resilience and self-assurance.
Here at M.Y.T.E we help children turn anxiety into confidence and self-regulate their emotions via our simple, yet effective toolkit. If you’d like to learn how the toolkit works, go here.
And finally, in my journey as a parent, I’ve discovered that every little step toward confidence deserves to be celebrated. So let’s celebrate our victories and not dwell too much on our failures… they’re opportunities to learn and grow for all of us.