What to Say to Calm Your Anxious Child: 10 Phrases That Truly Help

10 Best Phrases to Say to Your Anxious Child (and Why They Work)

As a parent, watching your child struggle with anxiety can be heart-wrenching. You want to help, but sometimes, finding the right words is difficult. Saying the wrong thing can unintentionally dismiss their feelings, while the right words can offer comfort and support. Here are the 10 best phrases to help ease your child’s anxiety, along with explanations of why they work.

1. “I’m here for you.”
Why it works: Simply letting your child know they aren’t alone can ease feelings of isolation and fear. This phrase reassures them that they have your support no matter what.

2. “It’s okay to feel scared.”
Why it works: Validating your child’s emotions is essential. Instead of dismissing their anxiety, this phrase acknowledges their feelings, helping them understand that fear is a normal and temporary emotion.

3. “Let’s take some deep breaths together.”
Why it works: Anxiety often triggers physical responses like rapid breathing. By offering to breathe with them, you help calm their body and signal that they’re safe.

4. “Can you tell me what’s making you feel anxious?”
Why it works: Encouraging your child to talk about their anxiety helps you understand the root of their fears and empowers them to express emotions openly.

5. “You are safe.”
Why it works: This phrase offers reassurance during moments of intense fear. Anxiety can make kids feel physically unsafe, and hearing that they are protected can help ground them.

6. “I believe in you.”
Why it works: Anxiety often undermines self-confidence. Reminding your child that you have faith in their ability to overcome challenges boosts their resilience.

7. “Let’s focus on what we can control.”
Why it works: Anxiety tends to spiral around the unknown. This phrase shifts their focus toward manageable actions, promoting problem-solving and reducing helplessness.

8. “Let’s look at the facts together.”
Why it works: Encouraging logical thinking can help counter irrational fears. By analyzing facts and evidence together, you help your child distinguish between real concerns and anxious thoughts, making the situation feel more manageable.

9. “Remember when you faced [a challenge] and got through it?”
Why it works: Reflecting on past successes reminds your child that they have overcome difficulties before and can do it again.

10. “What would help you feel better right now?”
Why it works: Giving your child the opportunity to identify coping strategies empowers them to manage their anxiety in a way that feels right to them.

Need More Support? Download the Free Anxiety Tip Pack

If you’re looking for more ways to help your anxious child, check out our Anxiety Tip Pack. It offers quick, actionable strategies you can start using today to bring calm and clarity to your child’s life.

Final Thoughts Every child experiences anxiety differently, and while these phrases can help, patience and understanding are key. By offering support through words and actions, you’re giving your child the tools they need to navigate their emotions and feel secure.

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone—resources like the Anxiety Tip Pack can guide you every step of the way.