Do you have an anxious child?

Anxiety is the second most common disorder among children as stated by the AIHW. It is a growing concern for parents. Anxiety can have a substantial impact on a child's wellbeing and greatly impacts

their family and school life.

So what is anxiety ?

Anxiety is a constant state of heightened stress, excess worry, and tension. Thinking or

expecting the worst to happen.

Anxiety disconnects us from our natural state of joy and being present in the moment.

What does anxiety look like for children?

• Attached to caregiver more then normal

• Complaining of a sore tummy

• Struggling to concentrate

• Fidgeting

• Emotional outbursts

• Refusal to leave the house or attend activities

• Responds with anger

• Trouble sleeping

• High expectations for themselves through sports or school

• Excessive fears

The good news is that you can support your child to recognise when they feel anxious. Guide them to understand that its ok to feel a certain way, to love and accept themselves as they are and learn techniques so they can live with anxiety; instead of letting it consume them.

Early intervention gives children the best possible outcome as they grow into adolescence.

Yoga can help anxiety by supporting children to be in the present moment, connect to themselves, encourage a growth mindset and learn to to apply yoga tools to those situations or emotions th

at are

the root cause of the anxiety.

Another method to support children is EFT (emotional freedom technique) otherwise know as tapping. An evidence based technique EFT supports children to process emotions and begin to have emotional awareness for a wide range of feelings they experience daily.

Sometimes worry, fear, anger and sadness can get "stuck' in their bodies and children are unsure how to stop this feeling.

EFT will help children process and let go of this emotion quickly in positive and empowering way.

Eft is a simple method of tapping on acupressure points in while talking about their feelings. This is an empowering process for children and begins to teach them emotional awareness.

EFT can be used any time and it is a self help skill to support themselves to move through negative emotion, finding peace as they move towards a positive emotional state.

How it works.

1. Begin tapping on the side of the hand with a set up statement.

"Even though I feel anxious about___________ , I feel it in my ___________I know I will do my best, I deeply love and accept myself"

2. Continue to tap, for children I use just a few points to tap on rather then the whole body. (see diagram below).

repeating these words until the level of emotional intensity drops. (you can tap for them or along with them).

After a wellbeing session of yoga, breathwork and EFT, children find an shift in their state of being even yawning as their body releases the tension and returns back to a parasympathetic state of being.

A well being session gives children the tools to empower them to manage their emotions and enjoy life.

For more information or to experience a wellbeing session or resources, reach out by email at exhalewellnessgc.com.

If you feel your child has overwhelming thoughts or concerning behaviours please seek immediate support by contacting the following organisations for help.

Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800

Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Beyond Blue Support Service 1300224636