How you respond to your child’s anxiety can set the tone for how they cope with it. We spoke to Dr. Barry Carlton, a pediatrician and child psychiatrist here on Oahu, to find out more about when to look for help for your anxious child. He explains that stress and anxiety aren’t a problem on their own. They become a problem, though, when they interfere with “age and phase appropriate behavior.” If a school age child is too anxious to go to school, it’s time to seek help. And if your preschooler is too worried to play with friends, you should look for assistance. Carlton also explains that stress and worry are normal for younger kids. A certain amount of nightmares and phobias are developmentally normal for toddlers and preschoolers. If you’re worried that your child is too fearful, consult your pediatrician. “If your child doesn’t want to talk on the phone or invite a friend over, do a practice run with her to help her get over her fear.” 78 HAWAII PARENT March/April 2025 Easy Ways to Help Your Child Stress Less In social situations 1. Encourage your child to say hello when they see your friends. Practicing social situations with safe adults can help shy kids get up the courage to face new social situations. 2. Praise your children’s success. When they make a phone call or order for themselves in a restaurant, celebrate with them. 3. Role play frightening situations with them. If your child doesn’t want to talk on the phone or invite a friend over, do a practice run with her to help her get over her fear.
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