Those who are always on edge have a vibrant imagination that is never lacking. From the effects of climate change on their children to their own parenting skills, they’re concerned about it all. To make matters worse, anxiety is a genetic trait that runs in families.
Bright Side wishes to assist you in discovering whether you’re an anxious person and provide some advice on how to deal with your nagging doubts.
1. You and your child have an uneasy conversation all the time.
It is common for parents to repeat the same information several times since they are concerned about their children’s well-being. Your youngster will ultimately acquire a fear of stray dogs if, for example, you speak about them in a hysterical tone. As a result, you’re passing on your anxieties to your children. Overprotected youngsters are more likely to suffer from anxiety and worry, according to research.
Solution: Instead of exaggerating everything and causing anxiety in your children, keep in mind that you are in charge. Make sure that you’re not over-dramatizing, for example, by teaching your youngster what to do in the event of a dog attack. Keep your emotions in check so that you don’t come out as fear-mongering in your speech.
2. You’ve developed a tendency to avoid situations.
The more you avoid something, the more likely your kid will be to do the same. Fears may be detrimental even if you believe them to be unfounded. Children are sponges for information. They don’t know how to deal with your anxieties, so they just stare at you and repeat what you’re saying.
solution: Anxiety is caused by a lack of self-awareness. Keep in mind that you’re speaking to a youngster who is listening to everything you say. Seeking expert assistance may be beneficial if you are having difficulty.
3.You keep a close watch on your child at all times.
Parents who are too concerned about their children’s safety are likely to become neurotic and possessive. As a parent, you constantly monitor their academic progress, monitor their performance in sports practice, and ensure that everything is done to the highest standard. This causes your youngster to become too concerned with achieving perfection. When your kid commits a little transgression, you immediately imagine the worst and exaggerate.
solution: Realize that you can’t control your child’s every action. Instead, concentrate on what you can do for yourself. Make your youngster read more by buying them books they’re interested in or discussing the most recent book they read. Because you have no influence over whether or not your kid shows any interest, you should stop beating yourself up about it.
4. You’re a good parent because you anticipate and cater to your child’s every need.
Your instinctive response is to rush to their aid whenever they have a tantrum. Anxious parents see tantrums as an expression of a strong need, and if that need isn’t met, the parents’ worry grows. Misbehavior may also be an indication of worry, which is interesting. For example, avoiding answering a question from a teacher because you’re afraid of failing.
Solution: Don’t pay attention to a temperamental youngster instead of attempting to calm them down. The temper outburst will subside on its own, sooner rather than later. If your kid acts badly because they are afraid, speak to them about it without judging them.
5.They’re being drilled with questions by you.
Anxious parents want complete transparency to ease their anxiety. They are relieved from their anxiety-inducing thoughts when they are given specific knowledge. As a result, children fear that their parents will take it out on them if they make an error.
Solution: Focusing on the here and now may help you relax. Put an end to your pessimism; it’s just making things worse. Every time you envisage something, it doesn’t come to fruition.
6. Keeping secrets is something you don’t do.
Children aren’t allowed to withhold anything from their parents, who are too concerned. There must be something terrible going on if youngsters are keeping things secret. When you make your kid tell you everything, you rob them of their right to confidentiality. Secrets, on the other hand, are critical to a child’s growth and development. Imagination, autonomy, and self-awareness are developed via this process.
Solution: Because there are two kinds of secrets: those that are pleasant surprises and those that aren’t pleasant surprises at all (situations that make your kid sad or embarrassed). Put them apart and only intervene if you believe the situation is out of control or life-threatening.
7. You don’t let your youngerster do anything on their own.
Anxious parents are wary of both the people and places their children spend time with. Overprotection relieves parents’ worries since they believe they cannot leave their kids alone. Having not developed the required independence, youngsters become worried and attached.
Solution: As a first step, give your youngster a simple chore that they can do on their own. A continual concern for safety inhibits youngsters from becoming self-reliant, so try to loosen your grip on them a little bit. If you’re still concerned about your child’s actions, at least provide them with step-by-step guidance.
Concerned about your children? What do you do to keep your emotions in check when things become tough?
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