Empowering Your Child to Overcome Anxiety

Helping a child with anxiety isn’t about eliminating fear altogether—it’s about teaching them that they can handle it. By stepping back from accommodation and encouraging gradual exposure to fears, you’re giving your child the tools they need to thrive.

Facing anxiety takes time, patience, and persistence, but the rewards—greater confidence, independence, and resilience—are well worth the effort. If you’re ready to make a change, know that you’re not alone, and support is available to help you navigate this journey toward empowerment and growth.

How Anxiety Can Progress

Although accommodating a child's anxiety might seem like an act of kindness, it can lead to long-term challenges, including:

• Heightened family stress – Parents may feel overwhelmed trying to manage anxiety-driven demands.

• Lack of coping skills – Children miss opportunities to develop resilience and problem-solving abilities.

• Increased dependence on parents – They rely more on parental reassurance rather than learning self-soothing techniques.

• Disrupted daily life – Family routines may become dictated by the child's anxiety triggers.

• Lower confidence and independence – Children may doubt their ability to handle difficulties on their own.

  
  

For children with anxiety disorders such as social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, or OCD, the impact of accommodation can be even more profound, as their heightened sensitivity to stress makes them more likely to engage in avoidance behaviors.

Exposure Therapy: A Proven Approach

If anxiety accommodation has become a deeply ingrained habit, or if your child’s anxiety is significantly affecting their daily life, professional support can be invaluable.

Therapists often use exposure therapy, a structured approach that helps children gradually face their fears in a safe and supportive environment. This method, also known as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in OCD treatment, empowers children to regain control over their lives and break free.

How Clearview Can Help

If your child is struggling with anxiety, contact Clearview Mental Health at 614-930-2750 to learn more about how our therapists can help create a treatment plan.