Rebekah Lane
School Counselor

Over more than a dozen years as a School Counselor, one issue seems to be bubbling to the top - ANXIETY.  School anxiety, test anxiety, separation anxiety, anxiety related to family home life situations, anxiety related to friends and fitting in, body image, level of intelligence, etc. 

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Anxiety can manifest itself in so may ways.  Children may cry, refuse to do morning routines (get dressed, get in the car, get out of the car, etc.) not want to leave your presence, or verbalize their fear that they 'can't do it' or are afraid they will fail before they even try. Anxiety may also show up in physical forms (headaches, stomach aches, vomiting, multiple trips to the school clinic, toileting accidents, not able to sleep, or becoming withdrawn.

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So, what can you as a parent do to help your child cope with anxiety?  First, you need to know there is no magic solution or quick fix.  In most cases, children can be taught strategies or routines to help them cope.  In some cases however, it may be suggested that you speak to your pediatrician or a mental health counselor. 

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While doing my own information searches, I have found these resources to be helpful. 

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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/renee-jain/9-things-every-parent-with-an-anxious-child-should-try_b_5651006.html

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https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dont-worry-mom/201302/12-tips-reduce-your-childs-stress-and-anxiety

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https://childmind.org/article/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-children-are-anxious/

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What causes anxiety and Depression - Inside Out

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Other Book Resources:

Growing Up Brave:  Expert Strategies for Helping Your child Overcome Fear, Stress, and Anxiety 

by:  Donna B. Pincus, Ph.D.

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The 10 Best-Ever Anxiety Management Techniques:  Understanding How Your Brain Makes You Anxious & What You Can Do to Change It

by:  Margaret Wehrenberg

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Parenting Towards Solutions:  How Parents Can use Skills they Already have to Raise Responsible, Loving Kids

by:  Linda Metcalf, Ph.D

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