26 minute read

Tips to Support Anxiety in Children

AnxietyIN CHILDREN

By Sarah Lyons

Anxiety is a feeling of unease or nervousness that often goes along with an upcoming event or something with an uncertain outcome. This feeling typically will come with physical signs such as increased heart rate or muscle tension. It is normal for children to have occasional feelings of anxiety when faced with something new or if they must confront their fears. Just like adults, kids experience periods of sadness, nervous feelings, and hopelessness during childhood. As parents, we can support our kids while they have these episodes and give them tools to work through them.

Many parents question the difference between feelings of anxiousness in children that stem from reasons that are typical developmental challenges, and when the anxious feelings become more than is manageable leading them to seek professional help. For example, it is common for babies 7-9 months old to have anxiety about strangers. It is common for preschool age kids to be afraid of the dark, monsters, and insects. School age kids often have anxious feelings about school and friends. These feelings are expected for kids and part of them learning to manage the world around them. When these fears begin to interrupt their ability to learn, interact with peers, sleep at night, or function normally in daily life, it might be a sign that your child is dealing with an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety can appear at any age but children experience these feelings much differently than adults. True anxiety can cause anger and aggression, bedwetting, changes in appetite, insomnia, fatigue, trouble focusing, irritability, muscle tension, nervous habits such as nail biting, restlessness, headaches, or stomach aches in children. Anxious feelings can cause children to refuse to go to school or other activities or make them want to avoid situations. The Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) says “7.1% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 4.4 million) have diagnosed anxiety.” If your child is struggling with anxiety, the statistics show they are not alone.

Feelings of anxiousness protect us from dangerous situations and warn us when to avoid things that may put us at risk. This is the positive side of anxious feelings. However, an anxiety disorder can be debilitating and cause us to make decisions that are no longer protecting us.

Anxiety in children can be difficult to identify because it can appear to be a child acting out or behaving strangely rather than an underlying concern. For example, if your child is having anxiety about school they may refuse to go, they may complain about a stomach ache and ask to see the nurse to get out of class, or they may act out and distract their peers. If you feel that your child’s behavior is stemming from their anxiousness about a situation, try to understand where the problem stems from. “We ask questions that get them to discover the root of the worry themselves.” says a mom of 3. She suggests using questions like “What are you most afraid of happening in this situation?” This will help kids determine the root of the problem. “If they don’t know what scares them, we walk through a possible scenario of the whole event and stop when they get to the scary part so we can further discuss it.”

No one will argue that anxious feelings are normal on occasion. When these feelings interfere with school work, activities, relationships, disrupt the entire family, or become unmanageable, it may be time to seek professional help. If your child is threatening to hurt themselves or others or if their behavior feels scary or out of control, see a professional right away. A therapist will be able to give you and your child tools to manage the anxiety in a healthy way, identify the root of the problem, determine symptoms and triggers, and prescribe medication if needed. This will help anxiety become manageable and leave your child feeling healthier and happier.  Sarah Lyons is a mom of six children, including seven-year-old triplets.

If you feel that your child’s behavior is stemming from their anxiousness about a situation, try to understand where the problem stems from.

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How to pick the best camp for your child.

IN THE BAY AREA WE’RE

INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE BECAUSE WE HAVE AN

ABUNDANCE of summer camps to choose from for our children. Whether you’re looking for a day or sleepaway camp, one that focuses on the performing arts, science, or whatever else your child is passionate about, it more than likely exists in our region.

Which Type of Camp

Would Best Suit the Needs and Interests of Your Child?

The opportunities that summer camp provides are endless: the ability to try new things, the chance to make new friends, and the prospect of gaining independence are just a few.

Consider the possibilities:

DAY CAMPS typically serve children ages 3-15. Session lengths typically vary from one to eight weeks. Some camps offer up to ten weeks of programming. Before camp and after camp programs are offered for an additional fee at some day camps. OVERNIGHT (also referred to as Resident or Sleepaway) Camps usually serve children ages 6-18. Campers stay at camp for one to eight weeks, depending on the camp’s session length. GENERAL CAMPS offer a broad range of activities. Many provide campers with the opportunity to focus on one or a few areas while encouraging them to try a variety of others. It is sometimes possible to explore an activity or interest in depth within the context of the whole program. TRIP & TRAVEL CAMPS involve outdoor

exploration through active sports like biking, hiking, climbing and canoeing. Campers spend most of their time traveling and preparing to travel. SPECIALTY CAMPS are based in day or resident settings. Popular options for specialization may include horseback riding, the arts, sports, computers, or travel. Programming revolves around intensive exposure to the specialty area.

CAMPS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS

serve specific clientele like children or adults with particular medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs. Some camps focus on campers who share very specific diagnoses, while others are geared to meet a broader array of needs at any one time.

RELIGIOUSLY-AFFILIATED CAMPS

offer religious education formally and informally. Review materials carefully for explanations of how religion influences a camp’s culture to find one with the balance that best matches your family’s own values and beliefs.

FAMILY CAMP SESSIONS include family

members of all ages from grandparents to infants. Accommodations vary, as do program options and session length. The focus is on being together as a family—to learn, to relax, and to enjoy new experiences and adventures. 

Day Camp or Overnight Camp

Deciding between day camp or residential (overnight) camp is one piece of the decision for families. Camp is an experience and not limited to a singular location. Campers can develop the same skills, both hard and soft, whether they’re sleeping away from home or returning to their own beds each night. While there are differences between day and residential camps, above all else, the most important outcome of this decision is finding the right fit for your camper and family.

This begins with knowing your camper. Many overnight camps begin taking campers between ages 7-9 years old. However, some children may be ready at 6 and some others may not be ready at 10. While there is no clear, linear checklist to determine whether day or overnight camp is right for your child, the questions listed here can help guide that conversation: • What is the primary reason for These questions can help wanting to go to camp? begin a dialogue with your family about which camp • Has your child ever spent experience is the best fit multiple nights sleeping away for you. The choice of day from home? versus residential camp is one important aspect of the • What’s your budget for camp? overall decision. But even then, make sure you follow up • Can your child bath and dress with those potential camps. themselves independently? Talk to directors. Ask for tours. Ask for references. Do • How far away from home do your due diligence. In the end you want your child’s camp both you and the camp want experience to be? this summer to be the first of many and the beginning of a • What activities are important great relationship. 

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massage with an unscented oil or lotion. Choose a time when your baby is in her resource like Postpartummen.com can be a lifesaver. Most people don’t know that Deadline is APRIL 19 “quiet alert” stage for the best experience dads feel the baby blues just like moms, for both baby and dad. Gentle massage will and dads can also experience postpartum Results Revealed in often help a baby to prolong a quiet state that continues even after the massage is depression. Moms can help by encouraging dads to check these local online resources. July 2014 Issue over. Even diapering can be “quality time” Even better, Moms can encourage (even for a dad and baby, if he talks and coos to push) dads to use these resources to get her while he is cleaning and changing her. together with other dads in real life.

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caring for a new baby that they don’t have much energy 2 Online Polls • VOTE Today!left for the couple relationship. ounces of warm water.The slightly sweet water is more appealing than plain but can meet other fathers for discussions, activities or a hike through local resources WIN Prizes! won’t interfere with your baby’s hunger for such as the Fathers Forum (Fathersforum. her next meal. com) or East Bay Dads (Eastbaydads.com).

Bath time can also be fun, if your baby If a dad is feeling really overwhelmed likes the water. Most babies like a little or stressed out, the extra support of a massage with an unscented oil or lotion. Choose a time when your baby is in her resource like Postpartummen.com can be a lifesaver. Most people don’t know that Deadline is APRIL 19 “quiet alert” stage for the best experience dads feel the baby blues just like moms, for both baby and dad. Gentle massage will and dads can also experience postpartum Results Revealed in often help a baby to prolong a quiet state that continues even after the massage is over. Even diapering can be “quality time” depression. Moms can help by encouraging dads to check these local online resources. Even better, Moms can encourage (even 2014 July 2014 Issue for a dad and baby, if he talks and coos to push) dads to use these resources to get her while he is cleaning and changing her. together with other dads in real life.

As new parents you need to be very Fortunately, nature designed babies to aware of each other’s needs right now. rapidly move through this period of comMothers are often so overwhelmed with plete dependency on mom. Soon, your baby caring for a new baby that they don’t have will become a delightfully social being. By much energy left for the couple relation- the time you read this, she will be smiling ship. Dads, on the other hand, may not get and flirting as she discovers that there is to enjoy the baby as much and may feel de- more to life than a good meal and a nap. In prived of both their mate and their expectations of what fatherhood would be like. No one can imagine what daily life will be fact, by the end of her third month, she’ll be so delighted to see her dad that you’ll see her get excited and animated just see- www.parentspress.comlike with a new baby. Of course, no one has ing his face. So be patient, support each the time or energy to talk about this, so it’s other through this difficult time, and you’ll no wonder thatboth parents can wind up all emerge intact.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

DENTISTS ALAMEDA DENTAL LISTINGS Pediatric Ear Nose and Throat Experts

Richard Tabor, DDS 1821 Santa Clara Ave. 510-865-2900 Specializing in the care of: www.alamedadentist.com Ear Infections

Sinus Infections Tonsillitis Snoring

Are you pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under 5? Most insurance plans accepted

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BERKELEY CITY BALLET SUMMER DANCE CAMPS – BERKELEY

510-531-8566 Ages 4-8 Weekly Dance Camps from 9am3pm culminating in performance! https://berkeleycityballet.org/ classes-and-more/classes/dancecamps

CAMP DOODLES – BERKELEY, ORINDA, MILL VALLEY AND SAN FRANCISCO

415-388-4386 Ages 3-15 Camp Doodles offers a project-based, hands-on camp environment. Our philosophy emphasizes fun in maker and art labs designed to encourage creativity, coupled with ample outdoor time! http://www.campdoodles.com/

CAMP ELMWOOD – BERKELEY

510-845-6830 Ages 6-18 Under the Redwoods at St. John’s you will find a place of peace and acceptance, where we value the abilities and interests of each camper and all are welcome. A week-filled adventure to learn new skills, make lasting friendships, and experience a unique camp in an urban setting Full Scholarships are available via the registration form. https://www.stjohnsberkeley.org/ce

CITY OF EL CERRITO CAMPS – EL CERRITO

510-559-7000 Grades K-9 Join El Cerrito Recreation for a summer to remember! This year, our award-winning program will offer weekly camp options, including the classic day camp experience through Camp

You may be eligible for no-cost nutrition advice, breastfeeding You may be eligible for no-cost nutrition advice, breastfeeding support, community referrals, and EBT to buy healthy foods!support, community referrals, and EBT to buy healthy foods! Working families may be eligible for WIC! Working families may be eligible for WIC! We are providing services over the phone during COVID-19, call 510-981-5360

For more information and to For more information and to see if you qualify, contact: see if you qualify, contact:City of Berkeley WIC Program City of Berkeley WIC Program 830 University Ave 830 University AveBerkeley, CA 94710 Berkeley, CA 94710 510.981.5360 Migrant families are welcome! 510.981.5360 Migrant families are welcome! wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info Visit us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info Visit us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth Do you need help with health care? Do you need care while you are pregnant? Please call Berkeley Public Health at 510-981-5300. We can help with community programs for low and middle income families. Do you need help with health care? Do you need care while you are pregnant? Please call Berkeley Public Health at 510-981-5300. We can help with programs for low and middle income families. (Medi-Cal, Healthy Do you need help with health care? Do you need care while you are pregnant? Please call Berkeley Public Health at 510-981-5300. Do you need help with health care? Do you need care while you are pregnant? Please call Berkeley Public Health at 510-981-5300. (Medi-Cal and CHDP) Families, CHDP and other community programs) This institution is an equal opportunity provider. We can help with community programs for low and middle income families. We can help with programs for low and middle income families. (Medi-Cal, Healthy (Medi-Cal and CHDP) Families, CHDP and other community programs) This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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Ages 2 and up Boys ballet Dance camps Birthday parties State-of-the-art studios Sprung floors Easy parking Easy online registration and payment

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Summer Ballet Are you concerned about the safety of your son or daughter? • Is your teen no longer listening to you? A Group for Parents of Struggling Teens Are you concerned about the safety of your son or daughter? • Is your teen no longer listening to you? Have you tried therapy or other avenues of support that haven’t worked? Is your son or daughter already in an out-of-home placement and are you looking to connect with other parents in the same A Group for Parents of Struggling Teens Camps & Classes Have you tried therapy or other avenues of support that haven’t worked? Is your son or daughter already in an out-of-home placement and are you looking to connect with other parents in the same situation? This six-week parenting group starting in early March offers help and support during stressful times. situation? This six-week parenting group starting in early March offers help and support during stressful times. Cindy Rasicot, MFT is in private practice in Lafayette, California with a specialization in adoption issues. She is a Director of Willows in the Wind, www.willowsinthewind.com Cindy Rasicot, MFT is in private practice in Lafayette, California with a specialization in adoption issues. She is a For additional information about the group and to schedule a free introductory meeting Director of Willows in the Wind, www.willowsinthewind.com Cindy Rasicot, MFT | cindy.rasicot@gmail.com | 510.332.0463

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Jul 11-15 Sleeping Beauty Jul 18-22 Cinderella Jul 25-29 Swan Lake

Week of Jul 11 & 18 Oakland Ballet Summer Intensive at ABA

Everything, as well as Specialty Camps for those looking to discover new hobbies and passions. http://www.el-cerrito.org/recreation

CODING WITH KIDS – ONLINE

206-486-0525 Ages 5-18 Coding with Kids provides online camps through our unique Coders Pathways®️ for ages 5-18. Virtual camps are conducted live, in small groups, and teach a variety of subjects, from game development in Scratch or Python to Minecraft Modding, Roblox, Java/C#, and 3D Design. In-person classes are also available at many locations throughout the US. We look forward to seeing your camper this summer! https://www.codingwithkids.com/

DANCE CONNECTION SUMMER CAMPS – PALO ALTO

650-322-7032 Ages 4-17 Experience dance in an inclusive, artistic, creative, and athletic environment with Dance Connection. Camps are offered for children and teens in weekly sessions from June 6 through August 5 with full and half day programs. https://danceconnectionpaloalto.com/danceconnection-event-calendar/summer-dance-camps/

EDEN VILLAGE WEST – HEALDSBURG

510 560-5610 Ages 8-16 Eden Village West is an organic farm-to-table Jewish summer camp in Northern California for rising 3rd11th graders that integrates culinary arts, organic farming, wilderness skills, and homestead crafts.

Summer Day Dance Camp

at the East Bay Dance Center

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Flexible scheduling: June 6 -July 29

Also Available Spring Break Camp: April 4 - 8

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SCHOOL OF ROCK PERFORMANCE AND RECORDING CAMPS – SAN RAMON AND VIRTUAL

925-415-3340 Ages 8-16 Do you want to learn how to play in a band or learn to write songs? School of Rock San Ramon offers a wide variety of music camps and workshops that cover topics such as these. http://sanramon.schoolofrock.com/

SUMMER AT ATHENA ACADEMY – PALO ALTO

650-543-4560 Ages 8-13 Athena Academy proudly offers two, week-long skills programs for dyslexic and twice exceptional students entering grades 1–8. The program utilizes Athena Academy’s unique teaching approach to help our students build foundational skills for learning. https://athenaacademy.org/summercamp/?ref=PP2202

SUMMER@STRATFORD – MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

408-244-4073 Grades Preschool - Middle School Summer@Stratford is back with our academic camp favorites and day camp programs! This summer, children will have a wide range of options to explore new interests, discover a world of wonder, and enjoy a summer to remember at Stratford! https://www.stratfordschools.com/summer

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Medications at Camp

MANY PARENTS STRUGGLE WITH THE QUESTION OF WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN’S

MEDICATIONS, specifically ADD and ADHD medications, during the summer months. Although I am not a doctor or medical expert, I can give you my perspective as a camp director for over 20 years and some simple steps to take to ensure your child has a fun-filled camp experience.

First, speak with the camp director to clarify the daily schedule and possibly identify the counselor who will be in direct contact with your child. Although many full-time camp directors have plenty of experience with children with ADD and ADHD, the camp counselor may only be 18- or 19-years old and sometimes even struggling with the same issues your 8- to 10-year-old may be having. This is not to say your child is not safe, but the level of experience can vary greatly from counselor to counselor.

Next, take into account the duration of the camp. Is it just a three- or four-day camp or a multi-week overnight camp? To put this in perspective, think about how long you worked with teachers, doctors and consultants to properly diagnose, work through issues and begin to process and create a workable solution for your child. The relatively short amount of time a counselor is in contact with campers makes it not only difficult for the counselors to learn the group’s dynamics, but individual issues, as well.

After speaking with the camp director there is still yet another level of expertise you can go to. By law, each resident camp in the state of California must have a health care consultant on staff to help the camp directors manage the many physical forms and immunization documents. This law does not apply to day camps. Although the health care consultant may not have immediate knowledge of your particular situation during your first call, he or she is there to help manage the medications and implement protocols. Furthermore, by HIPAA Privacy Act guidelines, the camp counselor will most likely not be aware of any of the

By law, each medical issues of your child unless authoresident camp rized by you, the parent or guardian. This in the state of granting of permission can be achieved

California must through the health care consultant, and it is have a health important that you are comfortable and in care consultant on staff to help the camp directors manage the many physical forms full knowledge of the camp’s written plan for your child. From my perspective, parents of children with ADHD sometimes feel the physical activity offered in a summer camp setting may allow them to be a little more lenient and immunization with medications that reduce hyperactivity. documents I urge all parents to also understand the timespan and experience of those in direct contact is significantly reduced and it is important to look at both sides of the equation while implementing the appropriate plan of action. 

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