{"id":5926,"date":"2014-10-19T08:00:58","date_gmt":"2014-10-19T13:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/?p=5926"},"modified":"2023-05-28T07:20:04","modified_gmt":"2023-05-28T12:20:04","slug":"calm-anxious-kid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/calm-anxious-kid\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Quick + Simple Ways to Help Your Anxious Child Calm Down"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"meta-desc\">Inside: From separation anxiety to nighttime fears, your child&rsquo;s anxiety won&rsquo;t just go away. Here are the tools you need to help your anxious child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My 6-year-old has been struggling lately. Every other week, she lives with us. The other weeks, she lives with her dad and stepmom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She&rsquo;s always had a hard time being away from us for a whole week, but her anxious feelings seem to be getting <strong>worse<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the last few months, she hasn&rsquo;t been eating much on Sundays, the day before she switches back to the other house. On Monday mornings &ndash; our last morning before she heads to school and a week away from us &ndash; she won&rsquo;t eat anything. We&rsquo;ve tried pancakes, muffins &ndash; anything to get her to just <em>eat<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And now she&rsquo;s having a hard time in another area: sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"yellowbox\"><strong>Bonus:<\/strong> As a bonus for joining my weekly newsletter, <a class=\"modal-trigger\" href=\"#get-printable-anxiety-signs\">get this free checklist<\/a> to help you watch for 30 hidden signs of anxiety in your child.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>#kt-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-blocks-modal-link{color:var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);border-radius:0px;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;border-width:0px 0px 0px 0px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;}#kt-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-blocks-modal-link:hover, #kt-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-blocks-modal-link:focus{color:#f96d60;}#kt-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-overlay, #kt-target-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-overlay, .kb-modal-content22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-overlay{background:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6);}#kt-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-overlay, #kt-target-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-overlay, .kb-modal-content22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-overlay{-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}#kt-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container{width:100%;max-width:700px;-ms-flex-pack:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;text-align:left;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;}#kt-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container{padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;margin-top:10px;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:10px;}#kt-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container{background:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);border-top-left-radius:3px;border-top-right-radius:3px;border-bottom-right-radius:3px;border-bottom-left-radius:3px;border-top:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}#kt-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-close svg, #kt-target-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-close svg, .kb-modal-content22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-close svg{width:24px;height:24px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container{width:100%;border-top:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-close svg, #kt-target-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-close svg, .kb-modal-content22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-close svg{width:24px;height:24px;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-container{width:100%;border-top:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}#kt-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-close svg, #kt-target-modal22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-close svg, .kb-modal-content22663_d890f3-5a .kt-modal-close svg{width:24px;height:24px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-modal aligncenter kt-modal-linkalign-center\" id=\"kt-modal22663_d890f3-5a\"><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_486b20-6d .kb-table-of-content-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_486b20-6d .kb-table-of-contents-title-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_486b20-6d .kb-table-of-contents-title{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;text-transform:uppercase;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_486b20-6d .kb-table-of-content-wrap .kb-table-of-content-list{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}<\/style>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-bedtime-battle-you-don-t-expect\">The Bedtime Battle You Don&rsquo;t Expect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it&rsquo;s time to say good night, she gets frantic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She asks for one more hug, again and again. Tears well up in her eyes. She says she doesn&rsquo;t want to <strong>leave me<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not just on her last night at our house &ndash; every single night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s like she doesn&rsquo;t trust I&rsquo;ll be there in the morning when she wakes up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She had the typical separation anxiety as a toddler, but it got more <strong>intense<\/strong> after she started splitting her time between two houses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then as we settled into a new life with new routines, her separation anxiety went away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Four years later, it&rsquo;s back with a vengeance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bedtime is now the <strong>ultimate<\/strong> struggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On top of that, she wakes me up several times a night. Nothing I say helps in that moment because she&rsquo;s an emotional wreck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/child-anxiety-checklist\/\">30 Hidden Signs of Anxiety in Children That You Need to Know<\/a> {Printable}<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-sad.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-sad.jpg\" alt=\"Anxious Child\" class=\"wp-image-5958\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-sad.jpg 640w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-sad-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-sad-438x292.jpg 438w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-sad-200x133.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-sad.jpg\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/photosbyrivers\/4381146028\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ellyn Rivers<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-ways-to-calm-an-anxious-child\">8 Ways to Calm an Anxious Child<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Neither of us were getting enough sleep. It was time for <strong>help<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I researched nighttime anxiety in kids. I scheduled a pediatrician visit and talked to the doctor about what&rsquo;s going on. I searched for tools to help kids cope with anxious feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the best tips I found in my research. We started all these recently, and they&rsquo;re helping <em>so much<\/em> already. My daughter has had <strong>only one<\/strong> middle-of-the-night wake-up since we started using these techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your child is struggling with anxious feelings from separation anxiety to nighttime fears, reading this post will give you the tools to help your child. Even better, your child will start to learn how to manage their own stress when they&rsquo;re feeling anxious or scared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-name-the-bad-feelings\">1. Name the Bad Feelings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This suggestion came from our doctor, and it&rsquo;s a <a title=\"When Anxiety Interrupts a Child&rsquo;s Life\" href=\"http:\/\/well.blogs.nytimes.com\/2012\/12\/17\/helping-children-gain-control-over-an-anxiety-disorder\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">common tip<\/a> for helping children with anxious feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get your kid to think up a <strong>silly name<\/strong> for the bad feelings they&rsquo;re having. For example: <em>Bob<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then tell your kid to boss those bad feelings around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ldquo;Bob, stop making me feel like that!&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or: &ldquo;Go away, Bob!&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(I suggested my child name her bad feelings &ldquo;Voldemort.&rdquo; She decided to stick with &ldquo;Bob&rdquo; instead.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-shhh\">2. Shhh&hellip;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I made the mistake of thinking logic would help. I explained she was safe. I wasn&rsquo;t going anywhere. Our bodies needed sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But my child&rsquo;s brain was experiencing <strong>real<\/strong> stress. Logic didn&rsquo;t do squat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, my rational explanations seemed to make her anxious feelings <em>worse<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p>Then when my logical appeals didn&rsquo;t help her, I got frustrated, and that <em>really<\/em> didn&rsquo;t help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is what I did <strong>instead<\/strong>: I just stopped talking. I gave lots of hugs and kisses. And listened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the <a title=\"Anxiety, Fears, and Phobias in Children\" href=\"http:\/\/kidshealth.org\/parent\/emotions\/feelings\/anxiety.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">experts<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Recognize that the fear is real. As trivial as a fear may seem, it feels real to your child and it&rsquo;s causing him or her to feel anxious and afraid&hellip;Never belittle the fear as a way of forcing your child to overcome it. Saying, &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t be ridiculous! There are no monsters in your closet!&rdquo; may get your child to go to bed, but it won&rsquo;t make the fear go away.<\/p>\n<cite>Dr. D&rsquo;Arcy Lyness for KidsHealth<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-scared.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-scared.jpg\" alt=\"Scared Kid\" class=\"wp-image-5960\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-scared.jpg 640w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-scared-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-scared-439x292.jpg 439w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-scared-200x133.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-scared.jpg\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/uaeincredible\/217849066\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Capture Queen<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-give-your-kid-a-friend\">3. Give Your Kid a Friend<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our doctor also suggested this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let your kid pick a doll or stuffed animal, or even something like a bracelet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In times of stress, encourage your child to <strong>find comfort<\/strong> in this special object. Research shows this <a title=\"Nighttime fears in children\" href=\"http:\/\/www.parentingscience.com\/nighttime-fears.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">helps kids with nighttime fears<\/a> and sleep problems. Especially in cases of shared custody, the child can find it <a title=\"Children, Divorce, and Discipline\" href=\"http:\/\/www.zerotothree.org\/child-development\/social-emotional-development\/divorce-and-discipline.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">helpful to have an object<\/a> they take between both houses that always travels with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When my child was anxious about starting kindergarten, we got matching bracelets, I wrote her a special poem, and <a href=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/first-day-of-school-jitters\/\">it worked like magic<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help with these new sleep problems, we found a miniature teddy bear from when she was a toddler, and she&rsquo;s been sleeping with it at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then on Monday mornings, we pack it in her backpack to take to her other house for the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-get-a-straw-and-a-button\">4. Get a Straw and a Button<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Seems random, but stick with me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In one study, teaching kids to blow into a party blower <a title=\"Nighttime fears in children\" href=\"http:\/\/www.parentingscience.com\/nighttime-fears.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">reduced anxiety<\/a> in 40 percent of the kids who tried it. Like <a title=\"Squawker Blowouts\" href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B00156VE30\/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00156VE30&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=hyhf-anxious-kid-20&amp;linkId=XYAFKLGJQ7QVQN7I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">this<\/a><sup>&dagger;<\/sup>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"meta-desc\"><sup>&dagger;<\/sup> This site is reader-supported. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B00156VE30\/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00156VE30&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=hyhf-anxious-kid-20&amp;linkId=XYAFKLGJQ7QVQN7I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"522\" height=\"522\" src=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-blower.jpg\" alt=\"Party Blowers Help Kids Reduce Anxiety\" class=\"wp-image-5931\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-blower.jpg 522w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-blower-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-blower-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-blower-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-blower-75x75.jpg 75w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-blower-190x190.jpg 190w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-blower-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-blower-292x292.jpg 292w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-blower-200x200.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 522px) 100vw, 522px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-blower.jpg\"><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>But I didn&rsquo;t have a party blower on hand, so I found a pretty paper straw and a button instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well <strong>before<\/strong> bedtime, I showed my child how to blow through the straw to move the button across her nightstand. This trick forced her to take a big deep breath and let it out slowly. Too fast, and the button would fly off the nightstand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what if you don&rsquo;t have your props around, and your child needs help calming down? My child absolutely <strong>loves<\/strong> the breathing technique from the book <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1591473144\/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1591473144&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=hyhf-anxious-kid-20&amp;linkId=6YGGYCYNQORH4JBN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid&rsquo;s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety<\/a>, which is a great book to have on hand for an anxious child anyway!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1591473144\/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1591473144&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=hyhf-anxious-kid-20&amp;linkId=6YGGYCYNQORH4JBN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-book.jpg\" alt=\"What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid Guide to Overcoming Anxiety\" class=\"wp-image-6557\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-book.jpg 288w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-book-216x300.jpg 216w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-book-210x292.jpg 210w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-book.jpg\"><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Some parents have also had luck with teaching their kids to blow bubbles when they get stressed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-make-a-photo-album\">5. Make a Photo Album<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When my child is feeling upset, it helps her to look at pictures of her baby sister. How can you feel anxious when you&rsquo;re looking at such <strong>cuteness<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because I&rsquo;m not very crafty, I just loaded up the iPad with a bunch of family photos. My child can flip through the album as much as she wants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you think your child would benefit from a physical photo book, check out this tutorial from my friend Allison about how to make a <a title=\"Help Manage Separation Anxiety with a Simple DIY Photo Book\" href=\"http:\/\/www.notimeforflashcards.com\/2014\/07\/separation-anxiety-photo-book.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">simple DIY photo book<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.notimeforflashcards.com\/2014\/07\/separation-anxiety-photo-book.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"380\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-diy-photo-book.png\" alt=\"Help Manage Separation Anxiety with a Simple DIY Photo Book\" class=\"wp-image-5934\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-diy-photo-book.png 380w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-diy-photo-book-207x300.png 207w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-diy-photo-book-202x292.png 202w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-diy-photo-book-138x200.png 138w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 380px) 100vw, 380px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-diy-photo-book.png\"><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-record-yourself\">6. Record Yourself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I downloaded an app to our iPad called <a title=\"Super Notes App for iPhones and iPads\" href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/super-notes-recorder-note\/id484001216?mt=8&amp;uo=4&amp;at=10l5G8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Super Notes<\/a>. You can use this app to take notes or record voice notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When my kids were busy, I took the iPad into my bedroom, closed the door, and sat down to record a message for my child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is what I said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&ldquo;You are safe. I love you. I can&rsquo;t wait to see you in the morning, and also right now your body needs some sleep. Breathe in until your belly feels full, then blow it out slowly. Feel your body sink deeper into the bed. Try that two more times. If you still can&rsquo;t sleep, use the other tricks we practiced. I love you.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>In the middle of the night, she can replay the recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One morning, she told me she ended up playing it <strong>five<\/strong> times in a row!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-make-a-calm-down-jar\">7. Make a Calm-Down Jar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the middle of the night, it wouldn&rsquo;t have helped my child go back to sleep if she had to turn on bright lights in order to use a calm-down jar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Which is why I absolutely love this <a title=\"Glowing Sensory Bottle for Bedtime\" href=\"http:\/\/kidsactivitiesblog.com\/59195\/glowing-sensory-bottle-for-bedtime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">glowing bedtime bottle<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/kidsactivitiesblog.com\/59195\/glowing-sensory-bottle-for-bedtime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"501\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-bedtime-bottle.png\" alt=\"Glowing Sensory Bottle for Bedtime\" class=\"wp-image-5936\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-bedtime-bottle.png 501w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-bedtime-bottle-273x300.png 273w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-bedtime-bottle-266x292.png 266w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-bedtime-bottle-182x200.png 182w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 501px) 100vw, 501px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-bedtime-bottle.png\"><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>After you make a calm-down jar for bedtime, teach your child to shake the bottle and then count as many stars as possible as they float back down to the bottom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&rsquo;s another great idea: a <a title=\"LEGO Calm Down Jar\" href=\"http:\/\/lemonlimeadventures.com\/lego-calm-down-jar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LEGO calm-down jar<\/a>. Perfect for LEGO fans!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-build-a-toolbox\">8. Build a Toolbox<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After you read through these tips to see what will be a good fit for your child, review those ideas with them to make sure they understand all the tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Practice each one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then in the moment when they&rsquo;re feeling anxious or scared, they&rsquo;ll be confident and prepared to use their toolbox.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/thechaosandtheclutter.com\/archives\/create-your-own-anti-anxiety-kit-for-children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"518\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-kit.png\" alt=\"Create Your Own Anti-Anxiety Kit for Children\" class=\"wp-image-5937\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-kit.png 518w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-kit-283x300.png 283w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-kit-275x292.png 275w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-kit-188x200.png 188w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-kit-282x300.png 282w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 518px) 100vw, 518px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-kit.png\"><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you like the idea of putting together a physical toolkit, check out <a href=\"http:\/\/thechaosandtheclutter.com\/archives\/create-your-own-anti-anxiety-kit-for-children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Create Your Own Anti-Anxiety Kit for Children<\/a> from my friend Sharla. She&rsquo;s put together an <em>amazing<\/em> resource with a ton more ideas for how you can help your child cope with anxious feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-your-free-printable\">Get Your Free Printable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Use this checklist to evaluate your child for signs and symptoms of anxiety, then follow up with your child&rsquo;s doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Get the free checklist<\/strong>. Join my weekly-ish newsletter and as a bonus, you&rsquo;ll get the printable! Just <a class=\"modal-trigger\" href=\"#get-printable-anxiety-signs\">click here to get it and subscribe<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Print and fill out the checklist<\/strong>. You may want to jot down notes in the margins and take a few days to watch and listen for the signs. Fill in the appropriate bubble for any day you notice that behavior.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make an appointment with your child&rsquo;s doctor<\/strong>. If your child&rsquo;s doctor doesn&rsquo;t seem to take you seriously, get a second opinion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Help your child calm down<\/strong>. While you wait to meet with your child&rsquo;s doctor, you can help your child cope with anxious feelings using the strategies in this post.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&rsquo;s a sneak peek of your checklist:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a class=\"modal-trigger\" href=\"#get-printable-anxiety-signs\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"420\" data-pin-id=\"128000814394471067\" data-pin-description=\"Worried your child may have anxiety? The problem is your child won't come out and say I feel anxious, so you have to watch for these hidden child anxiety symptoms. Use this free printable checklist for parents to keep track of your child's anxiety symptoms so you can get her the treatment and relief she needs from anxious feelings. #anxiety #anxietyrelief #mentalhealth #kids #parenting #parentingtips\" src=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/child-anxiety-checklist-preview.png\" alt=\"Download: anxiety in children symptoms checklist\" class=\"wp-image-13664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/child-anxiety-checklist-preview.png 640w, https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/child-anxiety-checklist-preview-300x197.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/child-anxiety-checklist-preview.png\"><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-want-more\">Want More?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/child-anxiety-checklist\/\">30 Hidden Signs of Anxiety in Children That You Need to Know<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading after-entry-cta\" id=\"h-before-you-go-get-my-free-cheat-sheet-75-nbsp-positive-phrases-every-child-needs-to-hear\">Before you go, get my FREE cheat sheet: <a href=\"#get-printable-positive-words\" class=\"modal-trigger\">75&nbsp;Positive Phrases Every Child Needs to Hear<\/a><\/h6>\n\n\n<style>#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-blocks-modal-link{color:var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);border-radius:0px;font-size:16px;line-height:24px;border-width:0px 0px 0px 0px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-blocks-modal-link:hover, #kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-blocks-modal-link:focus{color:#f96d60;}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-overlay, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-overlay, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-overlay{background:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6);}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-overlay, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-overlay, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-overlay{-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container{width:100%;max-width:700px;-ms-flex-pack:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;text-align:left;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container{padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px;margin-top:10px;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:10px;}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container{background:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);border-top-left-radius:3px;border-top-right-radius:3px;border-bottom-right-radius:3px;border-bottom-left-radius:3px;border-top:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg{width:24px;height:24px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container{width:100%;border-top:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg{width:24px;height:24px;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-container{width:100%;border-top:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:0px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}#kt-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg, #kt-target-modal19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg, .kb-modal-content19878_ef407f-13 .kt-modal-close svg{width:24px;height:24px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-modal aligncenter kt-modal-linkalign-center\" id=\"kt-modal19878_ef407f-13\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-your-turn\">Your Turn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When your child is stressed out or feeling anxious, what helps them? Share in a comment below!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Inside: From separation anxiety to nighttime fears, your child&rsquo;s anxiety won&rsquo;t just go away. Here are the tools you need to help your anxious child. My 6-year-old has been struggling lately. Every other week, she lives with us. The other weeks, she lives with her dad and stepmom. She&rsquo;s always had a hard time being&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":25634,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23,4505],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-printables","category-parenting-worries-anxiety"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.0 (Yoast SEO v25.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>8 Quick + Simple Ways to Help Your Anxious Child Calm Down<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From separation anxiety to nighttime fears, your child&#039;s anxiety won&#039;t just go away. Here are the tools you need to help your anxious child.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/calm-anxious-kid\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Kelly Holmes, Certified Parent Educator\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/calm-anxious-kid\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/calm-anxious-kid\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Kelly Holmes, Certified Parent Educator\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#\/schema\/person\/930987755e95179c5b9f3335e3c8ce57\"},\"headline\":\"8 Quick + Simple Ways to Help Your Anxious Child Calm Down\",\"datePublished\":\"2014-10-19T13:00:58+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-05-28T12:20:04+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/calm-anxious-kid\/\"},\"wordCount\":1672,\"commentCount\":23,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/calm-anxious-kid\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-feature-v3.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Printables\",\"Worries + Anxiety\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/calm-anxious-kid\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/calm-anxious-kid\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/calm-anxious-kid\/\",\"name\":\"8 Quick + Simple Ways to Help Your Anxious Child Calm Down\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/calm-anxious-kid\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/calm-anxious-kid\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/calm-anxious-kid-feature-v3.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2014-10-19T13:00:58+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-05-28T12:20:04+00:00\",\"description\":\"From separation anxiety to nighttime fears, your child's anxiety won't just go away. 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