Good Parenting

Anyone who has experienced anxiety will know how debilitating it can be.

For those with no personal experience of anxiety it can be hard to know what all the fuss is about.

“Come on, get on with it” seems so obvious. But this response is nowhere near enough if you experience anxiety.

Around 1 in 10 children struggle with anxiety. Nearly 50% of adult sufferers identify that anxiety began in childhood. Presumably, they weren’t taught the skills to cope as kids so anxiety took hold.

Most kids, like adults, experience some anxious moments or have fearful thoughts and feelings from time to time about certain events. These thoughts and feelings prompt them to proceed with caution rather than rush in where angels fear to tread.

But anxiety and fear can be paralysing. Some kids simply can’t stop their ‘bad thoughts and feelings’. They can’t silence the voice of fear that whispers to them continually.

Parents are an obvious choice to help children overcome anxious moments. Remember that:

• Anxiety is a normal part of life and can be managed.

• Anxiety takes time to be managed and can’t be solved in one conversation.

• Anxiety is contagious. Parents and children can feed each other’s anxieties. So it’s the job of parents to stay calm, think clearly and role model confidence when kids get anxious.

• Calm is created through your words, voice and facial expression.

Earlier this year I was sent a manuscript of “Mr. Jitters”, a book to help manage childhood anxiety. It was written by Kerry Moss published by Southern Community Welfare Inc in NSW. I was only too happy to endorse this book as it is a rare, practical tool that parents can use to help kids from 4-10 manage their anxiety.

The book gives anxiety a character – “Mr. Jitters”. This type of externalisation makes it easier for kids to manage and defeat their fears.

I’m thrilled to announce that “Mr. Jitters” has just been published.

Not only is “Mr. Jitters” a great book for kids but it has terrific parent notes as well regarding the role you should take when kids experience anxiety as well as notes about how you should use the book.

I immediately ordered 25 books and placed them in my online shop.

So if your child experiences ongoing anxiety and you are looking for a tool to help then I thoroughly recommend Mr. Jitters for your parenting library.

Anyone who has experienced anxiety will know how debilitating it can be.

For those with no personal experience of anxiety it can be hard to know what all the fuss is about.

“Come on, get on with it” seems so obvious. But this response is nowhere near enough if you experience anxiety.

Around 1 in 10 children struggle with anxiety. Nearly 50% of adult sufferers identify that anxiety began in childhood. Presumably, they weren’t taught the skills to cope as kids so anxiety took hold.

Most kids, like adults, experience some anxious moments or have fearful thoughts and feelings from time to time about certain events. These thoughts and feelings prompt them to proceed with caution rather than rush in where angels fear to tread.

But anxiety and fear can be paralysing. Some kids simply can’t stop their ‘bad thoughts and feelings’. They can’t silence the voice of fear that whispers to them continually.

Parents are an obvious choice to help children overcome anxious moments. Remember that:

• Anxiety is a normal part of life and can be managed.

• Anxiety takes time to be managed and can’t be solved in one conversation.

• Anxiety is contagious. Parents and children can feed each other’s anxieties. So it’s the job of parents to stay calm, think clearly and role model confidence when kids get anxious.

• Calm is created through your words, voice and facial expression.

Earlier this year I was sent a manuscript of “Mr. Jitters”, a book to help manage childhood anxiety. It was written by Kerry Moss published by Southern Community Welfare Inc in NSW. I was only too happy to endorse this book as it is a rare, practical tool that parents can use to help kids from 4-10 manage their anxiety.

The book gives anxiety a character – “Mr. Jitters”. This type of externalisation makes it easier for kids to manage and defeat their fears.

I’m thrilled to announce that “Mr. Jitters” has just been published.

Not only is “Mr. Jitters” a great book for kids but it has terrific parent notes as well regarding the role you should take when kids experience anxiety as well as notes about how you should use the book.

I immediately ordered 25 books and placed them in my online shop.

So if your child experiences ongoing anxiety and you are looking for a tool to help then I thoroughly recommend Mr. Jitters for your parenting library.