How do you calm your child when they are nervous?

[Mimi Q]

My 11 yo DD has cheerleading try-outs this afternoon. She is very nervous. What helps relieve your child's anxiety?

 

[Lewski709]

Ice cream and chocolate. Actually, another activity she enjoys so she isn't thinking about it. How bout a ride at Disney?

 

[TiggerPiglet]

I actually have my 2 DD's talk about what they're afraid of. I feel when you voice your fears, for some reason they don't seem as bad when you voice them outloud. I hope that made sense.

 

[Pam]

Oh, I feel for you - cheerleading/danceline tryouts are so nervewracking...

I also gave my DD an extra long hug and said a little private prayer. She is the type of kid who didn't want any extra talking, reasoning, etc. beforehand.

 

[damo]

I'm usually more nervous than they are so they are the ones comforting me! Well, they don't usually comfort me, it is more like make fun of me.

The other night in a tense playoff game, I had to leave with four minutes left in the game because I was too nervous to watch. When my son found out he said he was going to have someone duct tape me to my seat!

 

[dudeimdumb]

my mom takes me to the mall...and sometimes she buys me stuff before i have a gymnastics competition...its always fun cause i'll be freaking out and shes like "lets go shopping"

 

[Mimi Q]

Thanks for the replies. You mentioning gymnastics made me think to take her Gameboy. She plays it before gymnastics meets to take her mind off the competition.

 

[peg2001]

Try Xanex. Your DD will still be nervous but you won't mind so much.

Peggy

 

[Otto's Doll]

I always pray with my kids if they are nervous about something.

 

[holycow]

Sing...tell jokes....prayer helps too...

 

[Kimickey]

Last year just before DD(5) was to take a test to get into the private school that she is in now attends. I looked her dead in the eye and said "Girlfriend You Rock, you will do very good on your test". At that moment you could see the relaxation in her body and her facial expression changed. After the test was over she came skipping down the hallway, I knew she had done well. Come to find out later she, "Rocked the test"!

I'm not sure that will help your DD but sometimes just the right words give kids a sense of calm that everything is going to be alright!

 

[Mimi Q]

She and her three best friends made cheerleading. I am so glad that is over.

 

[MScott1851]

If I were PopDaddy, I would say "Valium" and get away with it.