Social Anxiety: How to Support Your Child

Parenting SolutionsBoredom BustersSchool HolidaysChildhood Anxiety
Written By Giggling Goats
primary school boy feeling sad and anxious around peers

Social anxiety can present significant challenges to those experience it. Everyday activities, such as going to work, school or involvement in hobbies can feel daunting.

For children, social interactions are such a huge part of daily life, which can be exceptionally draining for those who experience social anxiety.

There are plenty of skills and strategies that children can learn to reduce the impact of social anxiety.

Here are some strategies that parents, caregivers and educators can use to help children feel more comfortable and confident in social settings:

1. Create a supportive environment

It’s important to encourage children to share their worries or anxieties with trusted adults. Sometimes just verbalising the anxieties can help kids to feel less stressed, more confident and in general, feel more in control of their feelings. They will be more likely to open up if they have a stable, supportive environment where they can share their feelings, be heard and have their experiences validated. Let them know it's okay to feel anxious and that you are there to support them.

Stories or books can be excellent conversation starters, providing a simple and safe way to encourage kids to explore their feelings. Select books which feature characters who experience social anxiety and discuss how the character copes with these challenges.

2. Teach relaxation or mindfulness techniques

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are highly effective skills to help manage all forms of anxiety or worry. Exercises that involve deep breathing, counting or focusing on the present moment can help calm nerves before or during social interactions. Check out our anxiety resources page featuring a range of helpful books to help with anxiety. Or, take a look at our Kid’s Cards - Anxiety Set, which features 15 skills and strategies to help children manage anxiety.

3. Practise Social Skills

Role-playing can be a fun and effective way to build social skills. Act out various social scenarios, such as introducing themselves to a new classmate or asking to join a group activity. Some children may prefer not to act out different scenarios and would rather observe, in which case parents, caregivers or educators can demonstrate. Over time, children may feel more comfortable joining in the role-play. Practising or observing different scenarios can help children gain confidence and prepare them for real-life interactions.

4. Encourage Hobbies and Interests

Engaging in hobbies and activities can help children build confidence and form friendships based on shared interests. This can be especially helpful for children who have interests that vary from the majority of their peers. Search for different opportunities, such as clubs, sports teams, or classes where kids can meet others with similar passions. If activities in large groups are too overwhelming to start with, you might like to find options where kids can start with private or small group lessons, to first become comfortable with the activity, the location and some of the people before joining in a larger team or group class. Being around other children with similar interests naturally creates an environment for greater social interaction and connection.

6. Model Social Skills

Children learn a great amount from observing adults around them. Help them learn social skills by demonstrating confidence and calm in your own social interactions. This will provide a strong blueprint for them to follow. Model a range of social skills, such as greeting people, ways to start conversations, listening and responding to others and using manners. You can also discuss social interactions from your day, including more difficult social interactions or conflict situations, and explain how you managed.

7. Celebrate Progress

Recognise and celebrate every small step your child takes to be courageous and practise their social skills. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivate them to continue challenging themselves. Whether it's saying hello to a peer, participating in a group activity or attending an event they felt anxious about, every achievement deserves praise.

Helping a child develop skills to manage social anxiety involves patience, understanding, and consistent support. By creating a supportive environment, teaching coping strategies, and encouraging gradual exposure to social situations, you can empower your child to navigate their social world with greater confidence. Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be flexible and responsive to their individual needs and celebrate their progress along the way.

If your child’s social anxiety is significantly impacting their daily life and well-being, it may be helpful to seek professional advice.

Our Kid’s Cards - Anxiety Set are also a great tool to help children learn skills to cope with anxiety.

Giggling Goats
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