Your 10-year-old son has been acting anxious. He’s restless and seems to be having trouble concentrating. What should you do? Take him to the park and have a nice long talk about what’s on his mind. It may surprise you.
When Kids Open Up
According to a recent KidsHealth KidsPoll of 1,154 kids ages 9 to 13, your child’s biggest worry probably isn’t whether she has the latest pair of jeans or a new iPod. This insightful poll found that the majority of children surveyed—about 55 percent—said their biggest concern was the health of a loved one. Other concerns included fears of the future and getting good grades in school.
Results also showed that only 23 percent of preteens talk to their parents about their worries. Some preteens deal with stress positively, such as asking a loved one to stop smoking, while others may become angry, aggressive or withdrawn.
What can you, as a parent, do to help your child cope with such stress? Openly discuss your child’s concerns in a supportive environment. Ask questions, and really listen to your child’s answers. This interaction will form a close bond, letting your child know that no matter what the situation, he can come to you with all of his concerns and fears.