Childhood Anxiety Is On The Rise – Here’s What You Need To Know And Expert Tips On How To Help

This handmade fidget ring was our favourite product for helping children deal with anxiety. It's discreet and a fantastic option for children to wear daily without feeling self-conscious. It is easy to use and can be a welcome distraction when your child is overwhelmed.

Our only grumble is the sizing. The smallest size available was still slightly too big. It is a US 4 (which should fit a seven-year-old), and we wish it came in an even smaller size. 

It comes in three different finishes: gold, silver and black. It can even be worn in water.

For some children, hair pulling or skin picking may serve as a coping mechanism to alleviate feelings of anxiety, stress, or discomfort. It can be a tough habit for children to shake; cue: Fluffie Stuffiez.

Children can pull the outer layer of fluff from the Fluffie Stuffiez to reveal a surprise transforming character underneath.

On average, it takes approximately 30-45 minutes to pull a small plush to reveal the surprise character underneath and around 60-90 minutes for an oversized plush.

The best part is that all of the bits of fluff can be neatly collected in a bag to make a second plush toy.

Lilo & Stitch are having a moment in the spotlight again, with many primary-age school children loving the iconic duo. The movie resonates with many because both Lilo and Stitch are lost in their own ways, trying to navigate a confusing world - like so many of us.

This weighted blanket is the perfect marriage between your child's interests and easing their anxiety.
The gentle pressure from the weighted blanket can calm the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

Weighted blankets provide deep pressure stimulation, which has been shown to increase serotonin levels and decrease cortisol levels in the body, helping regulate mood and promote well-being.

The weight and pressure of the blanket can provide a sense of security and aid relaxation so your child can sleep better or relax on the sofa.

Like adults, children can experience stress and worry about various aspects of their lives. As many of us know, these feelings often become more pronounced at bedtime when fewer distractions make it difficult to fall asleep.

The gentle lighting, soothing sounds, and aromatherapy offered by Glow Sleep Easy can create a calming atmosphere in the child's bedroom, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety levels.

We like that through the mobile phone app, you can schedule the light to go from red to green to notify your little one when they can get out of bed.

Establishing a bedtime routine using Glow Sleep Easy can provide structure and predictability for children, which can be particularly comforting for those experiencing anxiety. Consistent sleep patterns can help regulate emotions and promote a sense of security.

Deep breathing is one of the most effective ways of calming anxiety. PAWZ, the calming pup, has an auto-adjusting light that guides children through deep breathing patterns. This is especially helpful for younger children as the visual aid will enable them to know when to take a deep breath and when to exhale. We love that this also works as a nightlight for bedtime.

You only have to spend 10 minutes on TikTok to learn that positive affirmations are a great way to kick-start your day. Affirmations help children develop a positive self-image and believe in their abilities.

This chart can be hung in your bathroom and integrated into your child's morning routine. The mirror encourages your little ones to look at themselves as they say their affirmations. We found this works best after teeth brushing, and it's a great way to start their (and your) day positively.

Another one of our favourite products is this wearable bracelet. Like the ring, children can use it as a discreet distraction when they feel anxious, nervous (or even happy). They can rub the moving beads on their wrists for comfort. We especially appreciate that it comes in various sizes - it fits this writer's four-year-old - who loves wearing it.

Sometimes, when your child feels overwhelmed with emotions, finding a quiet corner to calm down can be incredibly helpful. Mindful Mazes by Learning Resources is designed to teach children self-soothing techniques while offering a tangible tool to guide them through breathing exercises and relaxation. Despite our initial scepticism, we found these mazes to be remarkably effective for children of all ages.

Cai explains that screen time can make our children's anxiety worse. And whilst we are all probably aware that too much screen time can negatively impact our children, it can be really hard to live without it.

'Nowadays, our kids have greater access to mainstream media channels. They are often subjected to adult themes and toxic news that paint a very negative view of the world in which they live. (Knife crime, economic crisis, wars and terrorism, climate change, the list is never-ending). All of this is available 24/7, through their devices which reside in the palm of their hand,' she says.

StoryPhones are headphones for kids that play engaging audio content offline and offer an amazing standalone Bluetooth experience without needing screens. You do not need Wi-Fi (after the initial set-up), so it can be taken out to busy social events where your child may become overwhelmed.

From the beautiful illustrations to the child-friendly language, we love the book, Ruby's Worry. Whether your child suffers from anxiety or shyness, this book is a brilliant way to explain big feelings to children. It is a fantastic way to de-brief before bed after an especially difficult day.

If you want to get a better insight into how to help your child cope with their anxiety online, parents hail this as the go-to book. Parents can effectively reduce their children's anxiety by adjusting how they respond to their children's symptoms. Importantly, this approach does not involve imposing changes on the children's behaviour.

We have been fans of Tonies since they launched in 2018. The audiobooks offer a great lifeline for tired parents who still want their little one to have a bedtime story. Nothing beats putting on a Tonie and snuggling in bed with your little bubba. So, we were excited about the Capn' Dreambeard Tonie, which the brand has collaborated with one of the leading meditation and sleep apps, Calm.

This Tonie promises stories of swashbuckling magic, mystical beards and sleepy adventures, all designed to help your little one have a peaceful night's rest and ease bedtime anxiety.

Navigating school can be extremely difficult, from friendships and peer relationships to studying and exams. Bullying, meeting high expectations, and competing with their peers are common issues that can induce anxiety.

This pop fidget pencil case is a practical tool that can help children whilst they are at school. They can press the bubbles when they feel stressed or anxious and store all of their stationary to aid their learning. And our favourite feature is the detachable strap, which transforms it into a bag when they aren't in school.

Essential oil scents are believed to directly affect the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions and behaviour. Therefore, inhaling these scents can influence emotional responses and potentially reduce feelings of anxiety.

This Colief Botanical bundle contains a unique blend of 100 per cent natural ingredients, including lavender and pine. Lavender has been used for centuries to relax and aid sleep, while pine brings a sense of freshness.

I found that the rub and patch really helped my little one get a good night's sleep, and when I put the 'nightmare deterrent' patches on, they slept peacefully.