Posted by: Jillian Perrault
Summer time can be very unstructured to it’s important to
provide structure for anxious children to help put them at ease. Having visual
schedules can be helpful for children so they know what to expect.
Here is a sample visual schedule:
|
Day of the Week
|
Activity
|
|
|
Sunday
|
Beach Day
|
√
|
|
Monday
|
Daycare/
Sitter
|
√
|
|
Tuesday
|
Play date
with Friend
|
√
|
|
Wednesday
|
Daycare/
Sitter
|
√
|
|
Thursday
|
Visit with
Grandparents
|
|
|
Friday
|
Daycare/Sitter
|
|
|
Saturday
|
Family Day
|
|
- Always try to get to your child to events on time, or early – being late can elevate levels of anxiety
- Role play strategies so your child can practice their reactions and prepare for possible outcomes
- Allow & encourage your child to do things on their own when possible
- Try not to pass your own fears onto your child
- Work together as a team (family members, teachers, child)
- Set consequences – don’t confuse anxiety with other types of inappropriate behavior. Set limits & consequences so that you don’t allow anxiety to enable your child
- Genuinely Accept your child’s concerns
- Help your children focus on what worries they can control and what worries are out of their control
