Preschooler Anxiety

Preschool children suffer from many types of anxiety.

Preschool children may experience anxiety for a number of reasons, from simple fear of the dark to serious anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder occurs when children experience extreme worry. Other anxiety disorders include specific and social phobias. However, the most common form in preschoolers is separation anxiety

Effects of Anxiety

Get professional help for persistent fears.

Preschoolers generally experience separation anxiety when starting preschool or being away from mom and dad.

Children with generalized anxiety disorder seem to be "on edge or irritable," according to Elizabeth Pantley, author of "The No-Cry Separation Anxiety Solution." In addition, children may have difficulty concentrating or falling asleep.

Specific phobia is when a child experiences extreme fear of an object or a place. Social phobia involves a persistent fear of social or performance situations that include people unfamiliar to the child or a situation where a child is under the scrutiny of others, according to the American Psychological Association.

Empathy

Fear of dogs is common.

Try to consider the situation from a child's perspective. For example, she may have had a bad experience with a dog and become fearful. Persistent avoidance of a specific thing, such as dogs, is a sign of phobia.

Consider a child's developmental level. For example, it is common for preschool children to experience separation anxiety.

Acknowledge the child's feelings, no matter how unrealistic her fears may be. Let your child know that you understand her feelings and want her to feel better.

Separation Anxiety

Try to keep an upbeat attitude.

Various factors affect separation anxiety, such as the familiarity of the caregiver or day care, past experiences of separation, family routines and cultural expectations. The personality and temperament of the child and his parents also affect separation anxiety. For example, some children are more sensitive than others and parents need to be aware of how their child reacts in order to adjust accordingly.

Some kids take more time to warm up to preschool. Parents need to keep their own feelings positive for the child, so that she can see that mom's not worried. Confidence in the teacher helps the child feel confident, too. Be patient--separation anxiety will pass.

Prevention/Solution

Bring a comforting friend from home.

Preparing preschoolers for school is the key to minimizing separation anxiety. Describing or visiting the school also helps. Teddy bears or blankets can be used as substitutes for mommy or daddy.

Trauma generally produces short-term anxiety and other symptoms. Be aware that the anxiety may turn into post-traumatic stress disorder if left untreated.

Experience

Be on time to pick up your child.

Preschool children have only three to four years of life experience, so school is a huge change for them. Without experiencing it, most children don't understand that preschool can be fun and mommy or daddy will be there when school is over to take them home. Trust is a major developmental issue, so it's vital that children are picked up on time.

References

• "The No-Cry Separation Anxiety Solution"; Elizabeth Pantley; 2010
• American Psychological Association: Do you know the signs of an anxiety disorder?

Resources

• "What to do When You Worry Too Much"; Dawn Huebner; 2005