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How Do I Raise a Child Who Experiences Anxiety?

14 December, 2023
Q How Do I Raise a Child Who Experience Anxiety?

Answer

In this counseling answer:

•Don’t push your child to do things that cause anxiety, such as demand the child play in a group or ride a bike if it causes anxiety.

•Offering positive reinforcements for gradual expose to the things which cause your child anxiety.

•Encourage your child to talk about what she/he is feeling; reinforce the positive qualities and abilities your child has.

•Teach your child coping techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, encourage dhzikr during stressful moments as well as Qur’an recitation.

•Continue to build up your child’s self-esteem and confidence as well as coping skills. You may want to take a class on Anxiety to help you learn more about it as well.

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As- salamu alaykum, 

While you did not say how old the child was or if there had been any trauma in his/her life, or what the symptoms are, I would kindly suggest that if the symptoms are interfering with the child’s ability to function at school, home or social settings, that you speak with your child’s pediatrician about getting a psychological consult.

Reinforce your child abilities

For a child who is mildly anxious, I would suggest insha’Allah that you encourage your child to talk about what she/he is feeling.

Reinforce the positive qualities and abilities your child has, as well as teach your child coping techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, encourage dhzikr during stressful moments as well as Qur’an recitation.

I would also kindly suggest that you don’t push your child to do things that cause anxiety, such as demand the child play in a group or ride a bike if it causes anxiety.

I would suggest, however, offering positive reinforcements for gradual expose to the things which cause your child anxiety.

Raise a child who experiences anxiety

For instance, if riding a bike causes anxious reactions. You might tell your child that if he/she rides the bike for 3 minutes, you will go out for ice cream.

This is not only a goal the child can strive for, but it is a very short time he/she will have to experience discomfort.

In time, you can build upon the minutes (and switching up the rewards) until insha’Allah the anxiety vanishes with exposure and time.

This gradual exposure method can be used successfully with most fears or anxieties. Continue to build up your child’s self-esteem and confidence as well as coping skills.

You may want to take a class on Anxiety to help you learn more about it as well.


Check out this counseling answer:

Conclusion

In general, anxious children need a safe, loving, and in some cases, a quiet home environment. Often timeslots of noise, stress and upsets will trigger the anxiety.

I would kindly suggest evaluating your child’s home and school environment for stressful factors. Often times young children will outgrow anxiety, but if your child does not. Or if it worsens please consult a child therapist. You and your child are in our prayers.

And Allah knows best.

Salam,

***

Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.

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About Aisha Mohammad
Aisha has a PhD in psychology, an MS in public health and a PsyD. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years at Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. She has worked with clients with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, trauma, and OCD. She also facilitated support groups and provided specialized services for victims of domestic violence, HIV positive individuals, as well youth/teen issues. Aisha is certified in Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Care, Behavioral Management, Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Confidentiality & Security. Aisha is also a Certified Life Coach, and Relationship Workshop facilitator. Aisha has a part-time Life Coaching practice in which she integrates the educational concepts of stress reduction, mindfulness, introspection, empowerment, self love and acceptance and spirituality to create a holistic healing journey for clients. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocates for prisoner rights/reentry, social & food justice, as well as advocating for an end to oppression & racism. In her spare time, Aisha enjoys her family, photography, nature, martial arts classes, Islamic studies, volunteering/charity work, as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.