What anxiety looks like in children vs what's happening

Anxiety in children can manifest in different ways. This is how anxiety might looks like in your child.

·         What it looks like - You are 5 minutes late to pick up your kid at a birthday party.  She is in a corner, sobbing. She is convinced you were in a car accident.

What’s happening - Anxious children may focus on worries that something bad happen to their parents.            

·         What it looks like - Family friends are over to watch the game. Your 12 year old is in his room with  his door closed. He doesn’t want to go outside.

What’s happening - Such behavior seems to be rude or unfriendly. But it could be a sign that your child is afraid of socializing.

·         What it looks like - Your son’s teacher says he’s constantly moving his legs and seems looded up in  class. She thinks he might have ADHD.

What’s happening - It could be ADHD. But your son’s impatient or restless behavior could also be a symptom of anxiety about reading and writing. Other physical symptoms of anxiety include dry mouth, rapid breathing, stomach ache, sweating, and dizziness.

·         What it look like - You daughter is constantly counting tiles or windowpanes.

What’s happening - Repeating tiny and meaningless rituals may be a way for your child to manage her fears. For example, “If I count 100 windowpanes, then I won’t fail the math test.”  If this behavior continues, talk to her doctor about what you’re seeing. It could be a sign of of  obsessive- compulsive disorder.  

·         What it looks like - Your son’s teacher complains that your son does not copy what is written on the board. Instead he closed his notebook and low his head.

What’s happening – Your son might be feeling anxious about how much work he sees written on the  board and feels he can’t fulfill it. He prefers instead to close his notebook and don’t look at the board. This might help him ease his anxiety.