Performance anxiety in children

In today's society, efficiency, productivity, and personal achievement are highly valued. However, this performance-oriented lifestyle brings with it stress and anxiety on a daily basis, especially for children and adolescents. Parental support and guidance play a key role in how it is addressed.

Childhood anxiety

When faced with stressful situations, every child reacts differently, depending on their life experiences and temperament. Some children cope very well with stress, while others have more difficulty overcoming it.

Childhood anxiety manifests itself in excessive reactions to situations that seem threatening to the child. 

• Emotionally, it often triggers feelings of fear, worry, and apprehension that disrupt the child's daily life.
• Behaviourally, it usually leads to irritability, aggression, impulsivity, avoidance, and agitation.
• Physically, it can cause stomach aches, headaches, nausea, sleep disturbances, increased heart rate, and rapid breathing, among other symptoms. 

Parents are well placed to notice worrying behaviours and unusual reactions in their children. The primary environment (the family) is the ideal place to notice changes in this regard. The earlier anxiety is detected, the better it is to intervene.

Performance anxiety in school

Performance anxiety can occur at any point during a child's school career. It is likely to develop in the early years of school or a little later, around adolescence and the start of secondary school, as this period is associated with identity formation and greater social pressure. 

Performance anxiety is typically caused by an intense desire to perform well, such as during exams, oral presentations, or student competitions.

Of course, there are many sources of stress in school, such as fear of failure, learning difficulties, high expectations from family and teachers, self-confidence, conflicts, bullying, etc.

However, the difference between academic performance anxiety and simple temporary stress lies in the overwhelming feeling that this anxiety produces in children and adolescents and the impact it has on their daily lives.

Performance anxiety in sports

Physical activity is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, and encouraging children to participate in sports is highly desirable. Young people experience a range of emotions related to their sport, including (temporary) stress, and this is perfectly normal. The desire to win or disappointment at losing is not inherently harmful.

In fact, sports anxiety is the constant fear of not being good enough and not performing well in one's sport. It is punctuated by negative emotions and thoughts that go round and round in one's head, and usually happens before and during a sporting event or competition.

A high level of perfectionism can exacerbate sports performance anxiety, individual pressure (from the child themselves) or external pressure (coaches, parents), and low self-esteem.

Like academic performance anxiety, the problem with sports anxiety lies in the overwhelming feeling that children and adolescents experience when practicing their sport, which has a direct impact on their performance.

Some advice for parents

Parental guidance is essential for children experiencing stress or anxiety, whether at school or in sports. There are several tips and tricks that can help parents support their children on a daily basis.

At school

• Encourage active listening to identify your child's needs and concerns.
• Establish stable and calming daily routines to reassure your child.
• Explore stress management techniques with your child.
• Maintain good communication with school staff and other professionals.

In sports

• Focus on your child's perseverance and personal qualities rather than performance.
• Encourage your child to express their emotions.
• Maintain a healthy balance between school, sports, and other activities.
• Establish good communication with team coaches.

In sum, effective communication is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship between parents and children, as well as between parents and those involved in the child's life.

If your child's anxiety is significantly interfering with their daily life, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for help. 

Article written in collaboration with Vie de Parents.