Everyone experiences occasional anxiety. It causes us to look both ways before crossing the street, and to be careful (hopefully) with our words when we're upset. Teenagers feel some anxiety, too, and that's OK - but high levels of this emotion require attention.

"If your child is experiencing undue anxiety, there are several things you can do to help. Good, basic self-care - as in making sure your child eats real food and is getting enough rest and exercise - can help to keep your kid on a level plane."

Parents can help their child cope with anxiety by making sure that his basic needs are met. Help him eat well, and make sure that he is getting plenty of rest and adequate amounts of exercise. If a child's anxiety level seems disproportionate to the stresses in his life, consider having him talk with a professional counselor. Counseling can be an important tool in helping a child learn how to address and cope with stress. Source: Poughkeepsie Journal (NY)

Labels: anxiety, parental_involvement