Everything in excess can be harmful. This can also happen with anxiety. As per the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Anxiety is a normal human emotion, triggered by expected challenges (taking a test) and the reaction is proportional”. In other words , it is expected that as our children grow and develop, they will face the emotions of anxiety that include but are not limited to nervousness and fear. The important thing is to keep an eye out for when these emotions are interfering with our kids’ growth, development, and happiness .
As per the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry here are some signs to look out for:
* Constant thoughts and intense fears about the safety of parents and caretakers
* Refusing to go to school
* Being overly clingy
* Trouble sleeping or nightmares
* Fears causing significant distress and interfering with usual activities
* Fears of meeting or talking to people
* Repetitive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or actions (compulsions)
* Low self esteem and lack of self-confidence
Fortunately, there is something we can do . Parents and pediatricians can work together to help kids and their mental health.
Bellow you will find tools to assist you as a parent to help your child cope with anxiety:
https://www.onoursleeves.org/mental-wellness-tools-guides/help-kids-manage-anxiety/anxiety-activities-to-help-kids
Citations:
American Academy of Pediatrics. “Anxiety: Pediatric Mental Health Minute Series.” American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org/en/patient-care/mental-health-minute/anxiety. Accessed 5 Aug. 2022.
“Anxiety and Children.” AMERICAN ACADEMY OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY, 2017, www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/The-Anxious-Child-047.aspx