In the sixth episode of Growing Pains Season 2, we talk to Anba, a clinical psychologist from Promises Healthcare. We wanted to get the lowdown on anxiety in children, including the signs that we should look out for, top tips for dealing with anxiety, and when is the right time to seek help…
About our guest – Anba from Promises Healthcare
Like a lot of parents, we worry about our kids. Are they eating the right things, are they on track when it comes to development milestones, and then there’s the big question – are they actually ok? We all have concerns about the effects of social media, screen time and the pandemic on our kids’ mental wellbeing, but how do we tell the difference between normal, anxious thoughts and child anxiety? And how do we know when to seek help? We sat down with Anba, a clinical psychologist from Promises Healthcare, to find out…
Key points we covered in this episode to take a listen to…
06:00 – When should we see an expert when it comes to child anxiety? Anba explains that moderate fear and anxiety are normal and actually a good thing, these thoughts make us think and act more effectively. It’s when these thoughts start to impact our daily function that they become a big concern, and that’s when we should consider taking action and seeking advice.
16:00 – What is the impact of social media on childhood anxiety? Anba shares that he’s seen cases of this and how social media can contribute to anxiety in terms of FOMO and self-esteem issues. The longer children spend on screens, the more anxious they become. They also can internalise their worries and withdraw from their peers/show a lack of interest in hobbies etc.
22:00 – Can anxiety manifest in a toddler, and if so, how? Anba explains that toddlers can often display separation anxiety and bedtime fears, as well as social anxiety, but that these are normal for this age. It’s when it starts impacting on daily functioning and it’s a persistent pattern that we might decide to seek help.
31:00 – What is the impact of the pandemic on anxiety? Kids are a vulnerable population and quarantine, isolation and the fear of death have definitely played a role and induced stress in the younger generation, who in turn might internalise these fears. We, as parents, can help to alleviate this by getting back to normal and creating a structure for our kids, as well as being role models and talking about fears and concerns openly.
Want to know more? Check out these resources…
Want to know more about the different types of child anxiety and how to differentiate between them? Check out this in-depth article for the complete lowdown and all the facts from the experts at Promises Healthcare.
Considering seeing a specialist? Have a look at our full list of professionals available in Singapore if you’re after much-needed family support and guidance.
We’ve also got even more info from our HoneyKids Talks all about childhood anxiety. We spoke to Educational Psychologist Angela Wigford from Dover Court International School and Singapore American School’s Kindergarten Counselor, Deanna Williams. Here’s what they had to say
Interested in alternative therapies? Check out art therapy and why it might be the right option for your family!
Watch this space for Episode 7, dropping Monday next week!