Supporting anxious toddlers: Guide for parents
Lately, I've noticed a growing trend in referrals from parents for their toddlers and young children experiencing significant stress. While I deeply appreciate, respect and empathise with parents navigating their children's feeling of anxiety, it's crucial to address these concerns in developmentally appropriate ways.
Understanding early childhood anxiety
In toddlers and young children, anxiety manifests differently than in older individuals. At such tender ages, children are still developing their emotional regulation skills and struggle to articulate or understand their feelings. It’s so important to understand how highly they are attuned to their parents' emotional states and even absorb and mirror their stress.
Your role in supporting your anxious child
As a psychologist, my ethical responsibility is to prioritise interventions that align with a child's developmental stage. While direct therapy may not be suitable for toddlers, there's immense value in supporting parents to create a nurturing environment that fosters emotional resilience.
Tips for parents
Self-care practices: Remember to prioritise your own well-being. Engage in activities that reduce your stress levels first - whether it's deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or seeking support from friends and family.
Model calmness: Children look to their parents as emotional anchors. By demonstrating calm and composed behaviour yourself, you provide a reassuring presence for your child, helping them feel safe and secure.
Validate their emotions: Acknowledge your child's feelings without judgment. Normalise their emotions using short reassuring phrases such as "It's okay to feel scared," or "I understand you're upset." This validation helps children feel heard and understood.
Establish routines: Consistent routines provide a sense of predictability and stability for young children, reducing stress triggers. Create daily rituals for meals, playtime, and bedtime to help your child feel grounded.
Teach them coping strategies: Introduce simple coping techniques that your child can use when feeling overwhelmed. Practice deep breathing exercises together, encourage positive imagery, or provide comforting distractions like a favourite toy or book.
Seek professional support: If your child's feelings of anxiety persist or significantly impact their daily functioning, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance. A mental health professional can offer strategies and support for your child's unique needs according to their developmental level.