How to Handle Your Child’s Anxiety
How to Handle Your Child’s Anxiety: Tips from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
As a parent on the Northshore, watching your child struggle with anxiety can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s the pressure of school, social challenges, or even the unpredictability of life, childhood anxiety is more common than many realize. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in three children will experience an anxiety disorder before adulthood. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to eliminate anxiety to help your child thrive. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach used by counselors from Mandeville, Louisiana to all across the world, offers practical tools to support your child in living a meaningful life—even with anxiety.
At All Things Wellness Co, we specialize in helping families navigate these challenges. In this guide, we’ll explore what ACT is, why it’s effective for child anxiety, and six actionable tips you can start using today. If you’re searching for a counselor in Mandeville, Louisiana, to support your family further, we’re here to help.
Understanding Child Anxiety and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Anxiety in children can show up in many ways: stomachaches before school, refusal to join friends at Sports Practice, or constant worry about grades. Parents often feel the urge to “fix” these feelings, but ACT takes a different approach. Developed by psychologist Steven Hayes, ACT teaches that anxiety isn’t the enemy—it’s a natural part of being human. Instead of fighting it, ACT encourages accepting those feelings while focusing on what matters most, like building confidence or enjoying family time.
For kids, this means learning to notice anxious thoughts (“What if I fail my test?”) without letting them take over. ACT uses mindfulness, acceptance, and action-oriented strategies to help children—and parents—move toward a life aligned with their values, not dictated by fear. Research, like a 2018 study in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, shows ACT reduces anxiety symptoms in children by improving emotional flexibility. So, how can you apply this at home? Let’s dive into six tips grounded in ACT principles.
Tip 1: Practice Acceptance Together
The first step in ACT is accepting anxiety rather than pushing it away. When your child says, “I’m scared to go to the sleepover,” resist the urge to say, “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.” Instead, try, “I hear you’re feeling scared, and that’s okay. Let’s sit with that for a moment.” This validates their emotions and teaches them that anxiety doesn’t need to be battled.
Try a simple exercise: Ask your child to imagine their anxiety as a cloud floating by. You might say, “See that worry about the sleepover? It’s just passing through—it doesn’t have to stay.” This mindfulness technique helps kids observe their feelings without getting stuck. As a counselor in Mandeville, Louisiana, I’ve seen this shift make a big difference for families.
Tip 2: Name the Worry
ACT often uses “defusion” to separate kids from their anxious thoughts. When worries feel like facts (“I’m going to mess up”), they gain power. Help your child name their worry to create distance. For example, if they’re nervous about a school project, encourage them to say, “Oh, there’s Worry Wolf barking again,” instead of “I can’t do this.”
Make it fun—let them pick a silly name or character for their anxiety. This might sound small, but it’s a game-changer. A 2020 study in Behavior Therapy found that defusion techniques help kids see thoughts as just thoughts, not truths. Next time your child’s anxious about a soccer game at Pelican Park, try naming the worry together and watch it lose some grip.
Tip 3: Focus on What Matters
ACT emphasizes living by your values, not your fears. Ask your child what’s important to them—maybe it’s being a good friend, having fun, or learning something new. When anxiety strikes, gently steer them toward those values. For instance, if they’re scared to try out for a play at Fontainebleau High, say, “I know it feels big, but being brave and creative is part of who you are. What’s one step you could take?”
This isn’t about ignoring anxiety—it’s about choosing action despite it. In our Mandeville counseling practice, we help kids connect to their “why” so they can move forward, whether it’s joining a club or simply enjoying a day at the Old Mandeville Trailhead.
Tip 4: Use Mindful Moments
Mindfulness is a cornerstone of ACT, and it’s easier than you might think. Anxiety often pulls kids into “what if” spirals, but grounding them in the present can break that cycle. Try a quick exercise: Ask your child to notice five things they can see, four they can touch, three they can hear, two they can smell, and one they can taste. Do it together while walking along Lake Pontchartrain or sitting in your backyard.
This sensory check-in helps kids step out of their heads and into the moment. Research from the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (2019) supports mindfulness for reducing anxiety in youth. Plus, it’s a tool you can use anywhere in St. Tammany Parish—no special equipment needed.
Tip 5: Take Small, Brave Steps
ACT isn’t about waiting for anxiety to disappear—it’s about taking action anyway. Help your child break big fears into tiny steps. If they’re anxious about speaking in class, start small: “Could you raise your hand once today?” Celebrate each step, no matter how small, to build confidence.
Think of it like crossing the Causeway Bridge—one mile at a time. In child anxiety therapy, we call this “exposure with purpose.” A 2021 review in Clinical Child and Family Psychology found that gradual action paired with acceptance outperforms avoidance every time. Encourage your child to try, and let them know you’re proud of their courage.
Tip 6: Model Your Own Acceptance
Kids learn from watching you. If you’re stressed about traffic on Highway 190 or a busy week, show them how you handle it with ACT principles. Say out loud, “I’m feeling tense, but that’s okay—I’m still going to enjoy dinner with you.” This models acceptance and action, teaching them it’s possible to feel anxious and still live well.
As a parent, you’re their first teacher. In our work with families in Mandeville, we’ve seen how parents who practice these skills alongside their kids create a ripple effect of resilience. You don’t have to be perfect—just willing to try.
Why ACT Works for Kids—and Parents
Unlike traditional approaches that aim to “cure” anxiety, ACT focuses on flexibility. It’s not about making bad feelings go away; it’s about making room for them while pursuing a rich life. For kids in Mandeville, where community and outdoor activities abound, this means they can still enjoy fishing at the pier or playing at Big Branch Marsh—even if anxiety tags along.
ACT also empowers parents. You don’t need to be a therapist to use these tips, but if you’re feeling stuck, professional support can help. At All Things Wellness Co, we offer child anxiety therapy rooted in ACT, tailored to the unique needs of families in Mandeville, Louisiana.
When to Seek Help
While these strategies can make a big impact, some kids need extra support. If your child’s anxiety disrupts sleep, school, or friendships for weeks at a time, it might be time to consult a counselor. Signs like frequent meltdowns, physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches), or withdrawal from activities they once loved are red flags.
In Mandeville, we’re lucky to have a tight-knit community and access to resources like local counselors who understand the Northshore lifestyle. Early support can prevent anxiety from snowballing, and ACT-based therapy is a proven way to build lasting skills.
Take the Next Step
Handling your child’s anxiety doesn’t mean erasing it—it means equipping them (and you) with tools to live fully, no matter what. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy offers a fresh perspective: anxiety isn’t a barrier, just a passenger. Start with one tip today—maybe naming a worry or taking a mindful walk along the lakefront—and see where it leads.
If you’re ready for more guidance, All Things Wellness Co is here. As a counselor in Mandeville, Louisiana, I’m passionate about helping families find peace and purpose. Contact us at 985-778-3752 or CliffHallCounseling@gmail.com to learn how child anxiety therapy can support your family. Let’s work together to help your child thrive—right here in the heart of St. Tammany Parish.
