Having an anxious child has its challenges and it is important to remember that although your child is experiencing stress, they are safe.  Do not take on their anxiety and make it your own.  Instead focus on the things that you have control over.

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• Limit sugar and eliminate caffeine.  Added sugar causes spikes in blood sugar and caffeine is a stimulant that can cause nervousness.

• Exercise.  Getting the body moving not only serves as a distraction, but it produces hormones and activates the part of the brain that reduces anxiety.  Yoga is a great stress reducer and 

• Find the breath.  The breath is always available to us and practicing certain breathing techniques is a great way to reduce stress.

• Laugh.  Watch something funny, tell jokes, or talk with your favorite funny person.  

• Get creative.  For children who struggle with anxiety, finding a hobby where they can get creative is extremely beneficial.  Focusing on Legos or baking distracts the mind.  Other ideas are knitting/crocheting, origami, beading, painting/drawing, and those things where the mind can get lost concentrating on the activity.  Watching too much television or playing video games for long periods is discouraged because children are often not getting enough exercise and it can also increase anxiety.