All children
experience anxiety and fear. This is expected and normal in development.
Sometimes, however, these emotions become severe and disrupt the lives
of children and their family members. When this happens, the family
should seek help.
Some anxious
children have constant thoughts and fears about their safety, refuse to
go to school, or experience frequent stomachaches, headaches, or other
physical problems.
Anxious
children typically seek constant reassurance, and their anxious feelings
interfere at school, home and with friends.
Children who
are excessively anxious may be afraid to meet or talk to new people.
They worry about loved ones, school performance, health, and about
making friends.
Other anxious
children are afraid of specific things such as dogs, darkness, or
needles, and these fears cause significant anguish. |