5.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder can be defined as a sort of anxiety that can cause children dangerous worry about being banned or judged negatively by other people.

Children with social anxiety disorder aren't just nervous. They are so scared of being ashamed that they avoid doing things they want or require to do. They might refuse to attend birthday gatherings, speak in class, or eat at a restaurant because they fear what others might think of them. Social anxiety mainly affects older children and teenagers. Symptoms of social anxiety disorder usually start to show up between the ages of eight and fifteen.

Symptoms in children with social anxiety usually:

They have difficulty meeting or playing with other children or joining groups.
Have a limited number of friends or have no friends
Typically, avoid social situations where they might be the focus of attention or stand out from others – ask or answer questions in class.
Seem withdrawn or reserved in group situations.
Kids show tantrums, cry, cling, freeze up, or withdraw or refuse to express themselves in social conditions.
Adolescents worry excessively before attending a social event or preparing for a class presentation.
Social anxiety can be in the form of some physical signs, too, including nausea, stomach aches, blushing and trembling.

Children may avoid going to school or social events. They are anxious that they will insult themselves in front of their peers by giving the wrong answer, saying something unsuitable, becoming uncomfortable, or even vomiting. Children may avoid talking on the telephone or leaving the house when the fear is excessive.

Helping children with social anxiety

Prepare your child for awkward situations that make them feel nervous. Act out the instance at home and practice things they can do to make it easier.
Tell your child about the position you've felt anxious about in social states and how you've handled your fears. This will help your child know it's OK to talk about an anxious state of mind. They'll also feel that you understand and back them.
Ask your child to converge in social situations, do things in front of other people, and start new happenings. Evading social problems can make the matter worse.
Don't force your child to face a situation or punish or scold them for 'failing'. Instead, opt for discussion.
Avoid favouring and speaking up for your child. This can make the problem worse.
Tell your kid's teacher at preschool or school about their anxiety. Also, let them know what you're trying to do to assist your child. This will allow other people to support the child.
Acknowledge your child that you're happy about what they are trying. If other people are near, praise your child softly and make a big deal when you're alone. This helps to foster your child's self-confidence.
No matter how unsatisfied you feel, avoid criticizing your child or being pessimistic about their difficulty in social situations.
Avoid labelling your child as 'shy'.

Using the stepladder approach to help with social anxiety

The stepladder approach is a gentle behaviour practice that you can use to help children with social anxiety. It involves starting small and attempting little things before you face a frightening situation.

If your child has anxiety talking to new people, they could start by saying 'goodbye' to a friend they've met a few times, start with saying 'hello' to someone they've met, and in due course, have talks with other children.

Concluding thoughts

Social anxiety disorder is very curable. Children with it are treated with behavioural therapy alone or with medication.

We can help children with Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and general psychotherapy for social anxiety disorder. This helps kids learn to manage their emotions and develop coping skills.

We are here to help deal with the situation in the best possible way.

Happy Parenting!

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