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.
