I shake my head when I hear about children with " anxiety " disorders. You can almost bet on it being a lack of confidence. If this is bought on by an abusive family environment, or indeed any other type of abuse, there is an army of counsellors, etc, that are trained to deal with it. However, I believe no amount of professional help will restore the young persons self esteem, or self confidence. This will follow them into adult life, with the result, I believe, that when confronted with a difficult situation, such as peer pressure to do the wrong thing, whether it be drugs, or criminal activity, they don't have the confidence to say no.
Some children , such as those smaller than average, just don't have self confidence. One of the oldest, and best , ways to grow confidence, and discipline, in the young , is some form of self defence classes. And, the best out of these, is, IMO, boxing. Properly trained, in a disciplined environment, children will grow in confidence , and learn to stand up for themselves. They are also taught self discipline.
Years ago, at school, I can't remember a bullying problem. Either the bully got sorted behind the sheds, or the teachers put the gloves on the protagonists, and had them fight it out behind the sheds. [ I can almost hear the do gooders falling off their chairs in shock !] Quite often, the fighters became mates. Obviously, it's a different country now. But I can't help feeling some of those people led into drugs by their overbearing peers may have fared better if they had the confidence to just say no.
Here is a web site that may help some young person. Bob
Welcome to the Official Boxing Queensland Website

