2. Anxiety in Young Children
Presented by
Michele Cadieux, School Social Worker and
Al Kircher, Psychologist
From the Red River Valley School Division

3. 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

4. What does anxiety feel like???

5. 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.

6. 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

7. Developmental Stages [cont.]
Age 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

12. 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

14. 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!

15. 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.