STORY TOOLS

• E-mail story
• Comments
• iPod friendly
• Printer friendly

More Latest News

• Collier schools summer bus schedules announced
• Report: UCF players tell of intense workout, coach cursing before Plancher's death
• Traffic enforcement locations for Collier, Lee

Share and Enjoy [?]

This may seem strange to you, but one of the most common problems of childhood is anxiety. On the other hand, it’s one of the least recognized problems.

Children who have behavioral problems, who act out at home and in the classroom have no problem receiving the attention of their teacher and their parents. Unfortunately, however the anxious child, who most often quietly sits back and rarely creates a problem, is not recognized.

Many times, these children are quiet because of their anxiety and fears. All children experience some anxiety. Some types of anxiety are normal in childhood, such as separation anxiety which occurs early in childhood — around the age of 18 months to three years of age.

Many children feel anxious when beginning school or staying overnight for the first time away from home. We know that some anxiety is healthy, as it helps prevent children from taking unnecessary risks. It also motivates them to study for tests, etc. This is true for adults as well.

Children and teens are very similar to adults. They experience anxiety in their lives very much the same way as we do, but they have a tendency to react to the symptoms a little differently depending upon their level of development. That is why it is important that parents recognize and help their children with their anxieties.

Some of the most common behavioral signs of anxiety in children are by being unusually quiet or of becoming impulsive and acting out. You may also notice your child becoming very clingy for no apparent reason. Or your child may have difficulty going to sleep or awakening with nightmares. Perhaps your child may develop somatic problems, such as stomachaches, headaches, nausea, etc.

I encourage parents to be aware of child’s behavior and signs of anxiety. Take the time to approach your child and talk to him alone about what is bothering him. When your child opens up and expresses his anxiety or fear, let him know that the fear he is feeling is real. (Unfortunately, we parents want to protect our children and make them feel better and take their problem away. We tell them everything is okay and there isn’t a problem, etc.) But, they are feeling their fear, their anxiety!

I can assure you they will feel safer if they know you are with them and they are not alone with that feeling. Once you let them know they are not alone and you are there with them and your child knows they are not alone, they will trust you and will be more open by sharing their anxieties with you.

As you understand more about the child’s anxiety you can offer some assurance about his fears on a level he will be able to understand. Keep in mind, your child will only accept this assurance if he believes you understand what he is feeling is real.

Studies continue to show that if the child’s anxiety is recognized and treated, there’s less risk of developing into a more serious anxiety disorder. However, if the situation is left untreated, children with anxiety disorders are at a higher risk of having less developed social skills and thus perform poorly in school. This in turn sets them up to be more vulnerable to substance abuse problems. Studies have also shown that adult psychiatric disorders likely had their first or perhaps very subtle manifestations in childhood and if left untreated these anxiety disorders in children likely progressed to adult versions.

Yes, parents, you have the key to helping your children cope with their anxieties and fears throughout their lives and thus avoid the many pitfalls that are so prevalent these days.

---

Carolyn Katchmar is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, a certified addictions professional in Florida and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Address questions to Ethics & Civility, Marco Eagle, P.O. Box 579, Marco Island, FL 34146. Katchmar also can be reached at ckharper@comcast.net.