Ways Anxiety Affects Behaviour

At times parents see their child present with negative behaviour, such as sibling rivalry, or displaying attention-seeking behaviour, etc. – All of which are typical behaviours for a child to present with from time to time.

However, when a parent observes changes in their child’s behaviour that lets them know their child is anxious about an upcoming situation – Behaviour Analysts highlight, that it is beneficial for the parent to acknowledge to the child that they know what the child is worried about. It is very important for the parent to acknowledge their child’s feelings & what they are going through, when parenting.

Behaviour Therapists underline the importance of being aware that changes to a child’s behaviour, such as outbursts, difficulty managing anger, having tantrums, or displaying any other behaviours that are out of character for the child, can at times be stemming from underlying anxiety. This anxiety can present itself in the form of behaviour challenges, due to the child not having the appropriate skills & knowledge on how to deal with the anxiety they are feeling. When they don’t have the appropriate coping skills to handle these situations, negative behaviour can often result.

Tips From A Child Therapist For Parents On How To Address The Situation:

– It helps for the parent to acknowledge that they understand how the child is feeling.

– It is important for the parent to let the child know that they are there to support them.

– Parents should always remember to provide a healthy amount of reassurance & practical advice.

– It is recommended that parents keep their tone of voice calm – The aim is to bring the child into your calm, not join in their anxiety.

– When the parent feels that the topic has been addressed effectively, it is advisable that they then wrap up the conversation – Remember to avoid dragging it out unnecessarily, as studies in the field of Behaviour Analysis show that this can inadvertently lead to increasing the emphasis on the situation & in turn increasing the anxiety around it.


To Book An In-Person Consultation In County Donegal, Or A Zoom Appointment Anywhere Across Ireland Or Further Afield To Get Help Managing Your Child’s Behaviour:

Call: 00353 89 451 1432
Or
E-mail: thechildbehaviourconsultancy@outlook.ie

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