9 year old worrying

[Anonymous]

So my son asked me to come in his room tonight to talk privately. We were lying down and he said that sometimes at school he feels worried but he doesn’t know what’s he’s worrying about. He said it stops him from doing his work in class sometimes and at home he’ll feel sad too but again, he doesn’t know why.

I’m working to set up a therapy appointment for him but in the meantime, how can I be supportive of his feelings right now? He’s very loving and caring but also is sensitive. If we congratulate his sibling, he sometimes will put his head down and I can see in his mind, he’s thinking “what about me?”.

Would love any books, podcasts etc... to figure out how to support a kid who worries.

[Anonymous]

I dunno but I would start giving him "special time" which is your undivided attention 20 mins a day, activity or conversation of his choice, no criticism or pressure or pushy questions.

[Anonymous]

Athletics, get him off the coach, away from the laptop and exercising. Works wonders.

[Anonymous]

This book help for us to read together. It explains about worry thoughts and get strategies on how to deal with them.

What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety (What-to-Do Guides for Kids) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591473144/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_39RAS30T1H5HZYX0HAVS

[Anonymous]

Praise him for telling you. It is great that he is that self-aware. You must also have built a wonderfully trusting relationship, that he felt safe coming to you.

Those two things will help him!

[Anonymous]

Tons of great resources, videos, podcast, online courses, Facebook group, here: https://www.anxioustoddlers.com/

(It’s not just toddler info, despite the URL.)