How to Help Your Child Stop Reassurance Seeking (Without Making Anxiety Worse)
What is Reassurance Seeking in Children?
Reassurance seeking is one of the most common signs of anxiety disorders and OCD in children. Children often seek reassurance from their parents or caregivers to avoid feeling unsure about something.
Some examples of reassurance seeking are:
“Mom, are you sure this food won’t make me sick?”
“What if I throw up at school?”
How To Respond When Your Child Seeks Reassurance?
“I’ve already answered that question. I know that you can handle the uncomfortable feeling.”
“It sounds like you are really worried about that.”
“It sounds like your anxiety really wants to know that answer.”
“Why don’t we ride out that feeling together. I won’t answer that question again, but I will sit with you until the feeling goes away.”
“It’s okay to not feel 100% sure something might not happen.”
Using ERP to Help your Child Overcome Anxiety or OCD
Through ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) children learn to tolerate the discomfort of their fears and resist the urge to seek reassurance over time. At ALB Therapy, we specialize in CBT for kids and teens with anxiety disorders and OCD. We use fun, age-appropriate techniques that encourage bravery to conquer their fears.
As a parent as you want to answer the questions and help your child feel better! Feeling stuck in this cycle loop? We can help. Book a free phone consultation here! Let’s work together to help your child feel brave and conquer their fears.