Supporting Your Child through Stress and Anxiety
Interlude Hypnotherapy
Published: June, 2025
Parenting is full of rewards, but also challenges—especially when your child feels overwhelmed by stress or anxiety. It’s heartbreaking to see your child struggle, but the good news is that there are gentle, effective steps you can take to support them. This guide explains how to help a child with stress and anxiety, covering how stress affects children, the signs to watch for, and practical strategies to help them feel calmer and more confident.
What Causes Stress and Anxiety in Children?
Children experience more stress than we might realise. School pressures, social challenges, changes at home, or exposure to unsettling news can all trigger anxiety in young minds. Stress is a natural reaction to overwhelming situations, but prolonged stress can harm children’s emotional and physical well-being.
Recent UK data highlights this growing issue. Over 500 children are referred daily for anxiety treatment in England, with referrals more than doubling since the pandemic—from under 99,000 in 2019–20 to over 204,000 in 2023–24. Furthermore, 1 in 5 children aged 8–16 has a probable mental disorder, a significant rise from 1 in 9 in 2017. These statistics underline the increasing prevalence of anxiety in today’s youth.
Some common factors contributing to children’s stress include:
- Academic expectations and exams
- Peer pressure or bullying
- Changes within the family, such as divorce or relocation
- Overscheduled lives with little downtime
- Feelings of uncertainty or fear of failure
On a global scale, approximately 6.5% of children and adolescents live with an anxiety disorder. Additionally, research estimates that 1 in 5 children worldwide shows clinically elevated symptoms of stress and anxiety.
How Stress Manifests in Children
Stress and anxiety in children often present differently than in adults. Younger children may struggle to describe their emotions, while older children might hide their feelings to appear more independent. Recognising the symptoms early is crucial in learning how to help a child with stress and anxiety effectively.
Here are common signs of stress and anxiety in children:
- Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares (sleep anxiety in children)
- Physical complaints, such as headaches or stomachaches, without a clear medical cause
- Changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or irritability
- Noticeable difficulty concentrating or a drop in academic performance
- Avoidance of social activities or hobbies they once enjoyed
- Loss of appetite or overeating
If you notice these stress and anxiety symptoms in your child, early intervention is key to preventing long-term impacts on their well-being.
How Parents Can Support a Child with Stress and Anxiety
Every child is different, and while no single strategy will work for all, there are evidence-based practices that can help calm and support a stressed child. Here are some ways to provide meaningful help:
1. Open Communication
Encouraging open dialogue with your child can make a world of difference. For younger children, try asking gentle questions, like “What made you feel happy or worried today?” When your child shares their emotions, listen patiently, validate their feelings, and avoid rushing to solutions. This builds trust and allows them to express what’s troubling them without fear of judgment.
2. Establish Predictable Routines
A daily routine gives children a sense of stability, helping them feel more secure during stressful times. Regular mealtimes, school activities, and a consistent bedtime schedule can reduce stress. Fitting in time for exercise and restful moments can also lower anxiety levels.
3. Model Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Children often emulate their parents’ behavior. Demonstrate how you handle pressure through mindfulness, deep breathing, or simply taking time to talk about your emotions openly. This teaches your child that managing stress in healthy ways is achievable for everyone.
4. Teach Relaxation Techniques
Simple relaxation activities can help reduce symptoms of stress in children. Try progressive muscle relaxation, visualize calming scenarios, or practice slow breathing techniques like the “4-4-6” method (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds). Practising these techniques together can serve as both a bonding activity and a stress reliever.
5. Limit Stressful Triggers
Identifying and reducing your child’s stress triggers is one of the most practical ways to help. For example, minimize exposure to distressing news, set balanced homework schedules, and monitor your child’s screen time. Encouraging friendships with positive peers can also counteract negative social pressures.
6. Normalize Seeking Professional Support
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your child’s anxiety may persist. Explain to them that seeking help is just as normal as visiting a doctor for a physical ailment. Therapies such as solution-focused hypnotherapy offer a creative, effective way to help stressed children regain emotional balance and build resilience.
Early Intervention Matters
Providing support as early as possible is vital—not only for your child’s well-being but for the broader community as well. Studies show that untreated youth mental health issues may cost the UK economy over £1.1 trillion in lifetime earnings losses. Globally, anxiety affects 1 in 7 adolescents, and among these, anxiety and depression make up 40% of cases.
The earlier parents address stress and anxiety in young children, the better equipped they are to manage their mental health as they grow. Small steps today can lead to long-term emotional resilience and stability.
Practical Tips for Parents
Parenting through your child’s anxiety can be emotionally taxing. Here are some additional tips to make the process more manageable:
- Set Realistic Expectations: Focus on progress, not perfection.
- Praise Effort, Not Only Results: Encourage your child by celebrating their hard work rather than just outcomes.
- Create a Calming Bedtime Routine: Reduce sleep anxiety in children by dimming lights, reading a story, or playing relaxing music before bed.
- Encourage Creativity and Play: Unstructured play fosters expression and problem-solving skills.
- Stay Connected: Check in with your child during life transitions, such as exams or starting a new school year.
When to Seek Professional Help
If anxiety continues to challenge your child, professional help may be the next best step. Therapists trained in child anxiety, such as Farah-Naz Khan, can help develop tailored coping strategies. Hypnotherapy for child anxiety is a creative and effective option, helping children build self-confidence and restore calmness in their lives.
A Brighter Future Awaits
Supporting your child through stress and anxiety can be daunting, but every effort you make sets the foundation for a brighter and more secure future. By communicating openly, creating a stable environment, and knowing when to seek professional help, you empower your child to manage their emotions more effectively.
If you’re searching for compassionate and evidence-based hypnotherapy for your child, connect with Farah-Naz Khan to schedule a consultation. Take the first step towards a calm and confident tomorrow.
