When children are chronically anxious, even the most well-meaning parents can fall into a negative cycle and, not wanting a child to suffer, actually exacerbate the youngster’s anxiety. It happens when parents, anticipating a child’s fears, try to protect them from the fears. Here are pointers for helping children escape the cycle of anxiety.

• Don't try to eliminate anxiety, but to help a child manage it.
• Don't avoid things just because they make a child anxious.
• Express positive, but realistic, expectations
• Respect the child's feelings, but don't empower them
• Don't ask leading questions
• Don't reinforce your child's fears
• Encourage your child to tolerate anxiety
• Try to keep any period of anticipation (advanced notice) short
• Think things through with the child
• Try to model healthy ways of handling anxiety