Though a child’s early years are the most formative, they are capable of feeling a lot of emotions and stress that can affect them physically. Most times, a toddler can not adequately express the real reason for their anxiety.
As a parent, you have to take measures to calm your toddler down and help them work through whatever is making them nervous.
Here are a few suggestions on how you can settle your nervous child;
Image Source: Pexels
1. Be Calm
When a child is nervous, they might be incapable of performing necessary activities that are expected of them. For instance, a child that gets anxious around other people might refuse to go to school. This is the moment when you have to control your emotions and stay calm.
It is easy to get frustrated and stressed, especially when your schedule is being interrupted by your toddler’s behavior. Take a deep breath, reminding yourself that your toddler has little to no control over his behavior at the moment.
2. Do Not Lose your Temper
Do what you can to stay calm in the face of your child’s anxiety; it is crucial to control your anger.
Getting angry and yelling at your child will only serve to ramp up your baby’s nervousness and can even lead to a tantrum. Moreso, they might get scared of you and keep things to themselves, which might prove disastrous in the long run.
3. Listen Carefully
Sit down with your child and listen to your child. Don’t panic if they are not forthcoming, reassure them of your love and presence and give them time to tell you.
Exercise patience until they are ready to tell you. Do not push or threaten them to say to you as they might clam up.
4. Tackle the Problem at the Source
Take time to work out the reason why your toddler is nervous and try to resolve it if you can.
Your child could be worried or in distress from anything like starting school, the arrival of a new baby brother or sister or something as simple as physical pain requiring a visit to the dentist.
If your child is feeling neglected because of a new baby, give them more attention and affection. When they are nervous about being around a large group of people in school, organize play dates with one or two of their classmates in a familiar environment.
5. Get Active
The great outdoors and fresh air can go a long way in calming your child down. You can put them in a stroller for toddlers and take a walk around the neighborhood. They can also be engaged in activities such as games and exercises that will help to clear their minds.
6. Stay in Contact
A soothing touch might be what your child needs to feel calm and relaxed. Take them into your arms, cuddle and pet them as you sing for them or read them a story. However, try to avoid smothering them and being overprotective as it might make them too dependent.
7. Get Professional Help
If your child’s reaction to stress is exceptionally severe, or his anxiety is impairing his development and growth, you might need to seek professional treatment. Sometimes, your child’s cognitive function might be affected, and they might exhibit some symptoms such as stuttering.
You can contact a speech pathologist to help your child overcome this condition. You might also seek out a pediatrician to ensure that your baby gets all the help they will need.
A child can be influenced by their parent’s actions and state of mind. Being calm in all situations can help your child to grow to become a more confident individual.