ABC’s of Anxiety in Children Presented by TCWES School Counselors Amy Cunningham and Sandra Robertson

The Science Behind Anxiety: What’s going on inside? * Anxiety can range from mild to severe, resolving quickly or developing into an anxiety disorder. * Not all anxiety is something to worry about. Everyone gets anxious sometimes. It becomes a problem when it is persistent and interferes with daily life for an extended period of time. NOTE: To change images on this slide, select a picture and delete it. Then click the Insert Picture icon in the placeholder to insert your own image.

NOTE: To change images on this slide, select a picture and delete it. Then click the Insert Picture icon in the placeholder to insert your own image. CAUSES Genetics – brain chemistry (Nature) Experiences and Role Modeling (Nurture) Lack of self- confidence, resilience, and coping skills What does it look like? Affect Behavior Cognition Dependence Excessive and Extreme Functioning

Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety, Phobias, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Test Anxiety, Social/Performance Anxiety Types of Anxiety NOTE: To change images on this slide, select a picture and delete it. Then click the Insert Picture icon in the placeholder to insert your own image.

What can parents do to help their child? Create a MAP (My Anxiety Plan) * Specific to your child * Created with your child * Used preventatively and in the moment

CREATING THE "MAP" AnxietyBC Website - Creating A MAP STEP ONE: Become a Team Talk about anxiety with your child AnxietyBC Website - Talking to Your Child Explain "Fight-Flight-Freeze" using kid-friendly language

STEP TWO: Teach/Practice/Use Tools to Capture, Challenge, and Re-script Anxious Thoughts TOOLS: Anxiety Rating Scales Body Maps Name the Worry Challenge the Worry Detective Thinking Record Keeping Bravery Charts Exposure Ladders GOAL: Turn "Tumble-Dryer" Thoughts Into More Realistic, Balanced, Thinking

Cognitive Coping Cards AnxietyBC Website - Coping Cards

Building Resilience in Children Article - "Anxiety in Children: Are We To Blame" How many of you have heard the term "Helicopter Parent" or "Snowplow Parent" ? "lack of survival skills leaves them scared and anxious, and wanting to avoid the challenges ahead." Teach children how to make decisions, solve problems, and learn from their mistakes. Parents can coach their children through the ups and downs, which does more good than providing a smooth road with no obstacles.

When to seek outside help? Anxiety is persistent despite efforts, interferes with daily life on a regular basis, and/or is affecting child socially or academically What can help? Partner with teacher and school counselor Outside Therapy (CBT) Medication if indicated by doctor

Other Resources

Questions/Comments? Thanks for coming! Amy Cunningham Sandra Robertson