As a mother, you wear many hats. If your child has anxiety, your job becomes even harder. Although some anxiety is normal, it becomes an issue when excessive worry and fear interfere with school, social, and home life. There are medications for anxiety, but prescription drugs have many unwanted side effects, and some healthcare professionals recommend that kids should not take them. Fortunately, there are natural remedies, including over-the-counter meds for the ADHD child, that can be effective in managing symptoms.
Balancing Motherhood
One of the challenges of being a mom is finding a balance between work and parenting, between caring for others and caring for oneself, and between responsibility and having fun. When you have to keep an eye out for anxiety and ADHD symptoms in 13-year-olds, finding the right balance can be even harder. That is why it is so important to find natural remedies that work, so you can worry less about your children and focus more on your needs.
Anxiety Alleviation
When looking for natural alternatives for anxiety, there are various avenues you can try. Oftentimes, combining a number of them is the most effective.
Exercise
Staying active is extremely beneficial for improving one’s mental health. Regular exercise not only changes your mindset to a more positive one, but it also increases the production of brain neurotransmitters that combat anxiety symptoms.
The type of activity depends on your child’s age and interests. Younger children can get their exercise in by playing outside, going to a playground, or dancing around the house. Older children can choose activities, such as biking, swimming, running, or aerobics, that they like and want to stick with.
Quality Sleep
Sleep is extremely important for those who have anxiety. Kids should have a bedtime routine that avoids screens and allows for quiet time before their actual bedtime. They should aim to get between eight and ten hours each night, depending on their age.
Herbal Remedies
There are numerous herbs that have been shown to be beneficial in decreasing anxiety. Potentially effective ones include:
- Lavender
- Ashwagandha
- Lemon balm
- Passionflower
- Valerian
- Chamomile
Herbs are often available in tablet or liquid form. Some herbs may not be appropriate for young children, so read labels carefully or talk to your healthcare provider before giving to your child.
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies, such as natural anxiety medication for a teenager, are also options and better alternatives to prescription drugs because they are made with natural ingredients and work with the body to improve symptoms. They also do not have side effects and can be taken with other medications and supplements.
Therapy
Many parents find that therapy is beneficial for children with anxiety, and it is an option if the other remedies are not effective. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common for those with anxiety, as it helps the child recognize anxiety symptoms and come up with better ways to cope with them. Therapy can also be beneficial for parents, as it helps them know how to support their child.