Calm Kids Coaching has taken on a mammoth promise to eliminate anxiety in 30 days. But is this possible with all children?
Coaching children and teenagers with anxiety can be a complex and nuanced task. As a parent, understanding the approaches coaches use to work with anxious children can provide valuable insights and strategies you can apply at home. This article explores how coaches effectively manage and support difficult children, and can help all children achieve calm and peace in their lives. This article also offers practical advice for parents seeking to nurture their child’s development.
Understanding Anxiety in Children
Anxiety in children can manifest in various ways, including excessive worry, avoidance of social situations, irritability, and physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches. Recognising these signs is the first step in providing effective support. Coaches, whether in sports, academics, or extracurricular activities, encounter these behaviours and employ specific techniques to help children manage their anxiety.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
A fundamental principle in coaching anxious children is creating a safe and supportive environment. Coaches achieve this through:
- Building Trust: Establishing a trusting relationship is crucial. Coaches spend time getting to know each child, showing genuine interest in their well-being and creating a safe space where children feel comfortable expressing their concerns.
- Consistency and Routine: Coaches often implement consistent routines and structures within their sessions. Predictability can help reduce anxiety, as children know what to expect and feel more secure.
- Positive Reinforcement: Emphasising positive reinforcement and celebrating small successes can significantly boost a child’s confidence. Coaches focus on recognising effort and progress rather than just outcomes, which encourages children to persevere.
Individualised Approach
Every child is unique, and coaches tailor their strategies to meet individual needs. Here are some methods they use:
- Personalised Goals: Coaches work with children to set realistic, achievable goals. These goals are often broken down into smaller, manageable steps, making progress more attainable and less overwhelming.
- Flexible Strategies: Coaches are adaptable and modify their approaches based on what works best for each child. If a particular technique isn’t effective, they try alternative methods until they find the right fit.
- Empathy and Understanding: Coaches show empathy and understanding, acknowledging the child’s feelings and validating their experiences. This helps children feel heard and respected, reducing resistance and building trust.
Encouraging Gradual Exposure
Gradual exposure is a technique used to help children face their fears in a controlled and supportive manner. Coaches apply this method by:
- Starting Small: Introducing children to less intimidating aspects of their fear and gradually increasing the difficulty. This helps build confidence and reduces the intensity of their anxiety.
- Providing Support: Offering constant support and encouragement throughout the process. Coaches stay by the child’s side, providing reassurance and guidance as they face their fears.
- Celebrating Progress: Acknowledging and celebrating each step forward, no matter how small. This reinforces the child’s efforts and motivates them to continue.
Managing Resistance
Resistance is a natural response, especially when dealing with anxiety. Coaches handle resistance by:
- Remaining Patient: Understanding that progress takes time and setbacks are part of the journey. Coaches remain patient and persistent, providing consistent support.
- Validating Feelings: Validating the child’s feelings and letting them know it’s okay to be scared or anxious. This reduces the child’s defensiveness and opens the door to cooperation.
- Involving the Child in Decision-Making: Collaborating with the child to develop strategies and solutions. Involving children in the process empowers them and reduces resistance.
Collaboration with Parents
Coaching is most effective when there is collaboration between coaches and parents. Coaches often:
- Communicate Regularly: Maintain open lines of communication with parents, providing updates on progress and discussing any concerns or challenges.
- Share Strategies: Share the techniques and strategies used during coaching sessions with parents, so they can reinforce these practices at home.
- Encourage Consistency: Emphasise the importance of consistency between home and coaching environments. Consistent approaches help children feel more secure and supported.
Incorporating Essential Oils
We use the power of essential oils to bring calm to each session. Aromatherapy, through the use of essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus, has an incredibly soothing effect on the nervous system. At Calm Kids Coach we diffuse these oils in the room and apply them topically in a diluted form. The natural calming ingredients reduces stress and anxiety within minutes, creating a more relaxed and focused atmosphere for the child. The oils also help the brain to work optimally, allowing for intense concentration and cooperation. This natural approach is the additional layer of support that brings about success in each session.
Coaching children with anxiety requires patience, empathy, and a tailored approach. By creating a supportive environment, teaching coping mechanisms, and gradually exposing children to their fears, we help children build resilience and confidence. Adopting these strategies make a significant difference in removing your child’s anxiety. Remember, collaboration with coaches and seeking professional help when needed can further enhance your child’s progress. Together, we can help your child navigate their anxiety and thrive.