Anxiety in Children

Jei70

I went through the same phase at that age. In addition, I was convinced (though I knew that was irrational even then) that if I tapped a little sequence on the wooden edge of my bed, everything will be alright and I will be safe. Didn't know about worry dolls then!

I grew out of that within a year or so. Unfortunately, I have since then observed a similar thing in a loved one whose anxiety has grown into panic attacks and full-blown OCD during teenage years (and on).

It's not a cause-and-effect situation by any means. I just wanted to point out that if the behaviour intensifies, or doesn't pass in a year or two, advice from a GP could be useful.

getcarter

My son (10) comes down from bed crying because he's worried about global warming, he's also got a think now about eating healthily, worrying he's fat, counting out the fruit and veg he's had in a day (he's healthy but skinny).

I've got no idea how to handle it, be firm, matter of fact, sympathetic, talk about it or just brush it to one side.

He has got other legitamite health worries though and I have trouble dealing with those as I haven't got any answers for him, that's even worse because I feel useless.

Carter

divinemissm

getcarter, never feel useless. Dont forget we were told how to change nappies, do bottles etc but no one prepared us for stuff like this!!!
Maybe its an age thing 10, 11 etc, I dont know, but it can be very very hard not to lose your patience. As I said I try to keep as calm as possible, and talk whatever is worrying her, through with my daughter. I am firm though, in my own experience I think being overly sympathetic just makes the problem worse.

shellsuit

I thought it was just me with a daughter who worried about everything!

Mine (she is 9, 10 in 4 months) won't go to sleep unless she checks all the windows are closed, all electrical items are switched off and plugs are off, and makes sure all the lights are out downstairs. She checks the taps are shut off properly too of a night.

When my Dad calls here after work (which is every night midweek) and then goes home (it's about an 8 minute walk and a 4 minute drive), we HAVE to ring him to see if he has got home ok.....but she won't ring and ask him....I have to?!

I might just look into the worry dolls!

TipsyPipsy

This is something incredibly close to home at the moment! My 5 year old daughter is a big worrier - about all sorts of things: people dying, losing friends, playing upstairs by herself in case of monsters etc. At the moment she is distressed because she can't decide where to hold her 6th birthday party - its got to the extent where she is even waking up in the night crying! I have tried to make the choice for her but she gets hysterical.

Any tips, it's breaking my heart .....

lollipop211

My daughter now 12,was like this,and still is from time to time.

Talking it out without dismissing their fears helps. Making decisions is still agonizing for her and often leads to tears,the problem being they don`t want YOU to make the decision for them...sigh!!

However,not trying to frighten you,and it has already been mentioned,this can turn into OCD. I have a friend,whose daughter had OCD. So, if it starts to make life difficult, get to a GP and insist on getting CBT,cognitive behavioural therapy.