As a parent, watching your child struggle with anxiety may leave you feeling powerless. The good news is there are clinically-proven tools that can help. Take it from Bend Head of Design Justin Campbell, who shares how one coaching tool transformed the way his 11-year-old daughter understands and manages her anxiety.

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Here are more steps your child or teen can take to better understand their own “Silly Sally,” and move through their most anxious moments.

• Focus on the breath. To slow rapid breathing, focus on slowing the breath or just trying to breathe normally. Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, and let it out for 4 counts. Do this 4 times and see how you are feeling.
• Picture your happy place. Think of a place that is quiet, calm and relaxing. Imagine yourself there and focus on the details. How would it feel, what would you see, what would you smell, and what would you hear?
• Find a focus object. Find anything that holds your attention, like a tree or a piece of art on the wall, and focus on it. Try carrying a smooth rock or a soothing object in your pocket that you can take out and focus on when you need it.

‍Check out more tips from Dr. Monika Roots on how to cope with anxiety.