Parenting 'Tweens (9-12) Support Group
This community is focused on the joys, challenges and concerns faced by parents of tweens (9 to 11 year olds). The major areas of child development include: physical development, perception and sensory development, communication and language development, cognitive development, emotional development and social development.
OK so lately my step son has been having a lot of anxiety attacks. Over the years he has kind of been the kid who's always compaining about not feeling well, or always getting hurt and babying his injuries a little too much. But now he's starting with saying he has "anxiety" - not sure where he learned that from because me or my man didn't teach him that word.
Anyway...I was wondering if someone had any suggestions to deal with it. Over the years his fears, and anxiety has increased, but we're really not sure why. He has had the same living atmosphere for several years (no drastic changes or anything that could of affected the onset of it) and always seems to be able to "snap" out of it when his father pushes him a little to do so.
I'm just worried and don't want him to focus his whole life around this. He's young and enjoys doing so many different things (sports, games, etc.) and I don't want this to restrict him. Also my man his hestant about taking him to a doctor because they almost ALWAYS recommend medication and right now he doesn't think that's the right thing to do.
Any suggestions would be so helpful :)
Anyway...I was wondering if someone had any suggestions to deal with it. Over the years his fears, and anxiety has increased, but we're really not sure why. He has had the same living atmosphere for several years (no drastic changes or anything that could of affected the onset of it) and always seems to be able to "snap" out of it when his father pushes him a little to do so.
I'm just worried and don't want him to focus his whole life around this. He's young and enjoys doing so many different things (sports, games, etc.) and I don't want this to restrict him. Also my man his hestant about taking him to a doctor because they almost ALWAYS recommend medication and right now he doesn't think that's the right thing to do.
Any suggestions would be so helpful :)
I have vowed to remain patient with him and to try and teach him how to cope with anxiety or overwhelming emotions. I have noticed that getting angry with my son is definitely not the right way to handl e his anxiety.
There are some great books you could read with him. I would suggest "A Very Touching Book" to start.
I play meditations or stories for my son at bedtime to help him get a good sleep and to teach him how to alleviate anxiety. My favorite is A Boy and a Bear by Lori Lite, which you can buy on iTunes.