Helping Children Manage Stress and Anxiety
Would you like to help manage stress and anxiety? In this workshop, we will explore the causes and effects, signs to look out for, prevention strategies, and how to effectively address your child’s stress and anxiety.
Anxiety Disorders vs. Anxious
Causes for Anxious Behaviors
Symptoms of Anxiety
What does Anxiety Look Like at School?
Anxiety in Gifted Students
Myths & Misconceptions about Anxiety
The Goal is not to eliminate Anxious Feelings but to learn how to manage the feelings so they don’t impede your life.
Support Strategies
Developing a Growth Mindset
When kids understand neuroplasticity, their perception of their own abilities also changes. It becomes much easier for them to embrace mistakes, obstacles and challenges.
Children’s Books
Effective Praise Should :
Be Sparing, specific and sincere
Praise the process, rather than the person
Provide positive information about your child’s competence
Avoid heavy reliance on social comparisons
Convey realistic expectations
Be encouraging rather than evaluative
Focus on character and effort rather than achievements alone
Don’t Say This, Say That
You’re so smart! | I can see you worked hard on this! |
It’s okay. Maybe you’re just not cut out for this | It seems like it’s time to try a new strategy |
You’re a natural at that! | I like watching you do that. |
That’s right! You did that so quickly and easily; great job! | It looks like that was too easy for you. Let’s find something challenging so your brain can grow. |
That’s not right. Are you paying attention in class? It seems like you’re not even trying. | That’s not right. You don’t understand this yet. What strategies can you try to understand it better? |
That was really hard. I’m so glad it’s over and you don’t have to do it again. | That was really hard. Your effort has paid off! Next time, you’ll be ready for this sort of challenge |
You have a real talent for writing. You should take a creative writing class because you’re so good at it. | You’ve worked hard to become a good writer. You should challenge yourself with an advanced class, and learn something you don’t know how to do yet. |
Actions Are More Powerful Than Words
No one is good at it in the beginning. Let me ask you some questions so we can work out what you’re missing
I’ll teach you a new strategy so you’ll have a way to move forward.
That might be your best by today’s standards, but as you get better, it will be your second best.
I’m NOT GOOD at this. |
I GIVE UP |
It’s GOOD ENOUGH. |
I CAN’T MAKE this any BETTER. |
This is TOO HARD. |
I made a MISTAKE. |
I just CAN’T DO that. |
I’ll NEVER BE that smart. |
Plan A DIDN’T WORK. |
This is something you can do to make it better...
It’s meant to be hard. We grow by challenging ourselves.
Let’s work out why you made the mistake and see how to correct it.
I’ll show you how to train your brain so you are able to do it.
Being smart is something you learn, not something you are. Let me explain how to get smarter.
I’ll help you with some new strategies so you can create a different plan.
Parent Resources
Books
Mindfulness:
Worries & Anxiety
Separation Anxiety
Making Mistakes & Perfectionism