Coping with Anxiety
Anxious or fearful behaviour is quite common in children particularly when they encounter a new experience or situation. Whilst most children learn to cope with fear and worries some children need strategies and support to cope.
Often our instincts as adults is to jump in a solve the problem. For instance, if your child is afraid of cats, you move them away. However, it is best to use this moment to develop coping skills for anxiety. Whether it is a new puppy dog or climbing the high ropes……
- Slow down and breathe
- Encourage positive thinking
- Have a go.
- Model first
- Help your child take control
- Reassure – it’s ok to be scared but be brave.
Anxiety with Exams
It is perfectly normal to feel some anxiety or nervous energy when faced with a test or exam but you can reduce test anxiety by….
- Be well prepared
- Plan your study and review work (a few days or weeks)
- Maintain a positive attitude
- Exercise to reduce stress
- Sleep well the night before
- If you don’t understand what to do – ask to have it explained
- Skim through test to set the pace
- Complete simple questions first and go back to the hard ones
- Stay focused
Joanna Staikos
Director & Founder