subject: Anxiety Symptoms in Children - Why Children Have Trouble Explaining Feelings [print this page] 1. Not All Children Have The Same Worries..1. Not All Children Have The Same Worries..
It is normal for children under three to have strong reactions when separated from parents. During early school years many children develop fears of insects, strangers, ghosts, etc. Teenage children can become shy and socially reserved. If our children's fears are too strong for what is happening, or if they last too long, they may be suffering from an anxiety problem. For example, if a teenager who always does well at school becomes fearful about failing their exams, then the teenager may have developed an anxiety problem.
2. Be Aware of Any Changes in Your Child's Behavior..
Although anxiety symptomsin childrenmay be present, usually they'll have trouble communicating the feelings - so as parents, since they can'ttalk about their fears and distresses, as a parent it's yourresponsibility to be aware of any changes in your child's behaviour, and also in the way your child deals with their feelings. For example, has your daughter become more withdrawn? Is your son sleeping less? Is your pre-schooler clinging more and doesn't want to go anywhere without you? Is your primary school aged daughter missing a lot of school? Has your teenage son started showing signs of worry or having sudden outbursts of anger?
3. How Long Should A Child's Worries Last?
Normal worries don't last long in childhood. They disappear quickly. However, if our children's fears or worries continue for more than three or four weeks, then we should begin to get worried, and if they continue for months we need to seek professional help.
4. Children From Different Cultures..
What may be seen as anxiety symptoms in childrenin one culture, may be seen as normal behaviour by people from another culture. For example, talking softly, particularly by women and children, is normal in some cultures and is not considered a sign of fear or worry.
5. It's important to remember..
...that as parents, we're always trying to dowhat's best for our children, so if you're concerned about unusual behaviour in your child, behaviour thatother parents may be concerned about,it's important to take the time anddelve a little further. On the other hand, if you don't identify any of the usual anxiety symptoms in your child, andyou are comfortable with your child's behaviour, then it's unlikely you have anything to worry about.
