Parenting an Anxious Child

Does your child refuse to take part in group activities? Do they worry about what their peers or friends may be thinking of them? Do they complain of stomachaches or nausea every morning before school? Do they shut-down in large groups, refusing to talk or interact? Do they panic when there are changes in their routine? Do upcoming tests or exams result in nights of stress and panic? Does your child fidget and find it hard to stay still in uncomfortable or new situations?  If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, your child may be struggling with anxiety. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues among Canadian children. Many children can manage a healthy bit of anxiety but for some it can become a debilitating emotion as their minor worries turn into full-fledged fear.

This workshop is designed to help parents identify and differentiate between healthy stress responses and serious problems of anxiety. We will explore and discuss the seven different types of anxiety disorder in children in youth (Separation Anxiety, Selective Mutism, Specific Phobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Agoraphobia), as well as evidence based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

This workshop will also equip concerned parents with a toolbox of effective skills and strategies that they can use to help their anxious child feel reassured and develop the confidence to overcome their anxious emotions.