Children and Anxiety Management

Course details

Although anxiety is a normal emotion that we experience throughout our lives, it can be debilitating for so many. Anxiety can be hereditary and it can also be due to the development of negative thinking patterns and behavior. Regardless of the reason, it can be heartbreaking to watch a child struggle with anxiety. We wish to be able to take away the fear instantly, but unfortunately, this cannot happen. It is critical for children to learn appropriate strategies to manage their anxiety so that they may develop into successful and independent adults. Children can learn to manage their anxiety through guided practice of strategies.

This course is about the basics of anxiety in children, including the signs and symptoms and what kinds of fears are considered typical or normal for children. Strategies, besides medication, are available to manage anxiety, including Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Exercise, Cognitive-Behavioral techniques and more. There are also numerous resources through books, both for adults and children, and apps for smartphones and devices that can be used with children to help them learn to cope. Should a child's anxiety be so intense that it is impacting the child's ability to learn in the classroom, there are accommodations that can be implemented by the classroom teacher and school personnel in order to help the child meet success. Section 504 Plans and Individual Education Plans are discussed at length in order to educate parents as to the plans that are available for which their child may qualify.

Any individual who has or knows an anxious child can benefit from taking this course, including parents, caregivers, school personnel, and coaches. The course is brief and can be completed within the matter of an hour. It is structured with video content and text to provide a comprehensive understanding of anxiety. Additional links are provided for further readings.