For parents of children with OCD.

As a parent of a child with OCD, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to help your child. OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is a mental health condition that can cause significant disruption to your child’s day-to-day life. However, there are steps that you can take to help your child cope with their OCD and make it easier for them to manage their symptoms. Here are some tips for how you can help your child with OCD. However, these suggestions are general in nature and only provided as education, and should not substitute for discussions with healthcare providers and seeking your own personalised support.

1. Create a routine: Structure and consistency can be very helpful in managing OCD symptoms. Create a daily routine for your child that includes regular meals, sleep, and activities. This can help reduce anxiety and provide stability.

2. Don’t avoid the triggers: While it may be tempting to try to avoid activities that bring on your child’s OCD symptoms, this can actually worsen the situation. Encourage your child to confront their fears and gradually move towards the triggers, rather than avoiding them. This is a difficult task though, and it is essential you devise a plan and tackle these step with the support of a professional.

3. Practice relaxation techniques: Help your child practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness. These can help your child cope with anxiety and reduce their OCD symptoms.

4. Encourage healthy habits: Eating healthy and getting regular exercise can help your child manage their stress and improve their wellbeing. Encourage your child to eat a balanced diet and get plenty of physical activity.

5. Get professional help: If your child’s OCD symptoms are impacting their everyday life, you will need help from a mental health professional. A therapist can provide your child with the tools and support they need to better manage their OCD. They should also make them self available for appointments with just the child’s parents, so that parents can understand the condition better and become an ally in their child’s treatment and recovery. And if your child is recommended medications, approach this conversation with an open mind, and make sure to understand the benefits and potential risks, then make an informed choice in the best interest of your child.

By taking these steps and providing your child with the support they need, you can make a big difference in their lives. With patience and persistence, you can help your child cope with their OCD and lead a more fulfilling life.