These Are My Favorite Products to Help Anxious Kids
One in eight children has a child anxiety disorder, according to the National Institutes of Health, and it can take a lot of patience from parents to help their kids find some calm. The good news for moms and dads is there are plenty of quality products that can help reduce anxious feelings and offer comfort. Here's a list of my favorite items to help decrease stress and ease busy young minds.
Compression bed sheet
This compression sheet is an excellent alternative to weighted blankets if they don't work well for your child. Its stretchy, breathable fabric lightly snuggles your child, allowing them to stay calm throughout the night. While some of the reviews state it can be challenging to get this sheet on their bed, most parents agree that's a small price to pay so their child can get a good night's sleep.
Noise-reduction headphones
Too many noises can increase anxiety in children. Purchasers of these headphones rave that they're perfect for reducing sound in loud environments, and wearers could still carry on conversations with parents when they are up close. They also sport soft ear cushions and are fully adjustable for your child's comfort.
Chewigems
When anxiety hits, the fingernails are usually the first to go. These dog-tag-shaped silicone pendants offer a sanitary alternative to your child's digits, giving kids the stimulation they crave while looking cool enough to avoid teasing from others. They can also be easily cleaned with hot water or in your dishwasher.
Warm Pals weighted stuffed animal
Stuffies bring a smile to any child's face, but studies show that they also help kids experience big emotions and feel support. These Warm Pals help those children who suffer from anxiety with their weighted grain-filled stuffing and its calming lavender smell. They can also be warmed or cooled down if your child is sensitive to temperature.
Indoor sensory swing
Besides being very cool to have in your house, the motion of this indoor swing can soothe an anxious child. This easy-to-install product, which can hold up to 220 pounds, offers kids a calming experience with a durable fabric that will nestle your youngster.
Sound machine
I don't know what I would have done if my sons hadn't had a white noise machine to put them to sleep. Even now, their room is so relaxing, keeping out the roaring engines of the traffic outside our home. This model sports 25 sounds, has a timer, and functions as a night light to give kids extra comfort.
Trifold easel art set
According to Verywell Family, anxious kids should have plenty of art supplies handy because drawing, coloring, and painting can help them cope with big feelings and emotions. This 185-piece art kit has everything an artist needs, from oil pastels, watercolors, markers, and paper. It also includes a double-sided easel, allowing young Monets to take this kit anywhere and view the inspiration for their next masterpiece.
Monster Stomp game
What child hasn't wanted to stomp out their fears? That's the object of this award-winning role-playing game for those over 4 years old. When players stomp the monster they created with the modeling clay included with the game, they have to talk about the other monsters in the world, such as the dark, disease, and other things that scare them, giving anxious kids a sense of control over what they worry about the most.
Emotions magnet
My sons have a version of this magnet in their classrooms because it helps them build self-awareness, and the more conscious a child is of their emotions, the more they can process and manage how they respond to those feelings. By silently announcing if they are happy, anxious, or sad, families can be open to discussing why they feel the way they do.
Yoga cards kit
Any kind of exercise is excellent for reducing stress and anxiety, and yoga in particular can be a mood booster that helps kids feel better about their bodies. There are many ways for kids to access yoga classes, whether it's YouTube videos aimed toward young ones or joining you for a session. However, these illustrated cards can go with them anywhere, so if they want to practice their sunflower pose in the park or child's pose in the living room, they're easily accessible when they need to destress.
Recommended products to help reduce your child's anxiety:
Compression Bed Sheet: $24.99
Noise Reduction Earmuffs: $13.69
Chewigems: $24.74
Indoor Sensory Swing: $89.99
Sound Machine: $23.99
Trifold Easel Art Set: $22.99
Monster Stomp game: $19.95
Emotions Magnet: $9.99
Yoga Cards Kit: $9.99