Anxiety in Young Children

Presented by Michele Cadieux, School Social Worker and

Al Kircher, Psychologist From the Red River Valley School Division

What is anxiety?

• Worry or excessive fear about real or imagined circumstances

• An unpleasant state of inner turmoil often accompanied by nervous behaviour like pacing, sweating, somatic complaints or rumination

• What does anxiety feel like???

Description• Anxiety is a normal developmental pattern that

changes over time. It is essential for survival… alerting us to potential danger and preparing the body for the “fight, flight or freeze” responses.

Developmental Stages of Anxiety

• Infancy and preschool – babies may demonstrate stranger anxiety when they begin to recognize the differences between family members and others [7-9 months].

• Toddlers may experience separation anxiety when their parents leave them temporarily [12-18 months]

• When entering school or preschool children may plead for the parent not to leave

Developmental Stages [cont.]

• Age 8 - anxiety tends to be about specific things...animals, the dark, imaginary figures [monsters under the bed], large dogs or people

• After age 8 the concerns shift to more abstract, less specific concerns like grades, a new school, friendships, etc.

• Adolescents worry more about sexual, moral, and religious issues and fitting in with their peers.

Other warning signs for school-age children:

• Trouble paying attention, concentrating in the classroom

• Complains of aches and pains• Needs constant reassurance• Perfectionism• Easily distressed or overwhelmed• Shyness, restlessness

When should you be concerned? “What if” questions; needing constant

reassurance Irritability, tension, aches and pains Fatigue Sleep problems Wanting to avoid everyday situations,

people, events – not wanting to go to school, birthday parties, etc.

Excessive crying, shaking, sweating, bedwetting – easily distressed

Suggestions• Try not to treat your child’s questions about

anxiety as silly or unimportant• Avoid pressuring or being critical with your child• Avoid giving too much advice or being a

‘helicopter’ parent• Try not to assume that your child is being difficult

or that the problem will just go away• Try not to overschedule your child with activities

– to have ‘down’ time

What Parents Can do

• Stay calm.• Tell your child it’s okay to be imperfect.• Encourage your child to express their feelings.• Encourage your child to face his/her fears.• Reward your child’s brave behaviors – make a

successes scrapbook• Develop positive routines for sleep, nutrition, exercise

Strategies for anxious children

• Choose a certain time each day for “Worry Time” – imagine using a Worry box. • Learn about how anxiety works.• Use a Calming Jar• Practice using Calming breaths• Practice often!• Celebrate successes!

Some resources for parents of anxious children

• The Health Sciences Centre Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program; requires a doctor’s referral but plans are in place for an online resource for parents

• Parents of Anxious Children – online support group• Friends for Life Program; Mindup Program (school-based)• Anxiety Disorders of Manitoba @wwwadam.mb.ca

Offers adult groups, DVDs, relaxing tapes, etc. • Article: Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders in Children:

Information for Parents National Association of School Psychologists, NASP

• Books – Helping the Anxious Child by Ronald Rapee, Ann Wignall, Susan Spence; The Worried Child by Paul Foxman.