New research on a group of Australian preschool children suggests that more than 40% experience an anxiety disorder.
THE studyled by Monash University and published in the journal Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, was based on interviews with mothers of 545 three- and four-year-olds.
It found that 48% of the group met criteria for a mental health disorder, while 43% met criteria for an anxiety disorder. This included separation anxiety, social phobia, specific phobias (for example, fear of the dark) and generalized anxiety disorder.
Although these results seem shocking, the researchers note that they should be treated as preliminary and with caution.
Another investigation he tells us It is very normal for young children to experience some level of anxiety.
How can parents protect their children from stress? And how can you tell if they – and you – need more help managing their mental health?
Some concerns are normal
Anxiety is a natural response to a perceived threat, uncertainty or anxiety. The usually includes feelings of restlessness, nervousness, or restlessness, along with body reactions such as increased heart rate, muscle tension, and stomach problems.
Some degree of anxiety and worry it is completely expected in preschool children. Research he tells us Mild anxiety can even play a protective role — it helps us learn to identify and respond to potential threats.
Common worries and anxieties experienced at this developmental stage include fear of separation from caregivers, new people or situations, loud noises, darkness or nightmares, and transitions (for example, going from home to daycare).
In the new Australian study, which we did not deal with, the most common form of anxiety for preschool children was “specific phobias” – 31% of children met criteria for specific phobias. Like researchers note on their paper:
Fearful responses to scenarios such as the dark, storms, dentists, and doctors may be considered normal in preschool children at low frequencies […] these may be relatively transient compared to other disorders.
This suggests that some preschoolers will outgrow some of their childhood anxieties over time.
What can parents do to help?
There are many things parents can do, both proactively and when anxiety and worry arise in children.
Talk openly about feelings
Especially when things are calm. This can include reading books and talking about how stress feels in our bodies, when it can occur and what can help. Doing this before your child becomes overwhelmed helps to smooth out those feelings, so when anxiety does arise, they have the language and context for it.
Great examples include Virginia Ironside’s The Huge Bag of Worries, Karen Young’s Hey Warrior, and Tracey Moroney’s The Feelings Series.
Validate concerns
When you notice that your child is worried, gently name what could be happening to them.
Resist the urge to immediately reassure them (for example, by saying “you’ll be fine”). Instead, acknowledge and validate the feeling. This helps your child feel understood and shows that their feelings are manageable with your support.
For example, you can say:
It sounds like you might be feeling nervous about going swimming today. That’s okay, it’s okay to worry about new or difficult things.
Practice setting strategies when times are calm
Strategies such as slowing our breathing, spending time outdoors, or petting a pet can help manage stress.
Try to practice them before the stress peaks. Make them part of your everyday life and model them yourself. When children see adults using these tools, it reinforces that everyone has big feelings and that there are positive ways to handle them.
Support brave behavior
Anxiety usually leads to avoidance. While avoidance can see anxiety symptoms diminishing very quickly at this time it tends to make anxiety worse over time.
Try to gently encourage your child to engage in things they feel anxious about. It is often beneficial to start with situations where your child feels less anxious to build confidence.
For example, if they’re nervous about swimming lessons, encourage them to sit on the edge of the pool to start. This does not mean pressuring your child. Instead, give your child time and space and stay by his side as he takes baby steps. For example, you can say:
I can see that this is difficult. How about we try to join in just for the first activity — I’ll stay here with you.
Let your child know that you are proud of them when they do things even when they feel stressed.
Signs You May Need More Help
While anxiety and worry are feelings that all children experience, some of the signs that your child could benefit from some extra support include:
Anxiety prevents your child from attending or enjoying childhood, preschool, daycare, or other social situations
Anxiety affects everyday life, including your child’s sleep or eating
Anxiety causes significant and ongoing distress and emotional strain to your child or the wider family
Anxiety occurs frequently in your child and lasts more than a few weeks.
Where can you get support?
Making an appointment with your child’s doctor is a great first step. They can provide support and referrals to a pediatrician, psychologist, or other type of therapist, such as a play therapist or occupational therapist.
You can also speak to your local maternal health nurse. They can help you understand whether your child would benefit from additional support and discuss referral options with you.
Free resources are also available for parents at Raising Children Network (federal government parent website) and Emerging mindsa website dedicated to children’s mental health.
