CHILD ANXIETY CHECKLIST

Teaching kids about how fear and worry work in their bodies, and specific thinking and doing strategies to fight the “Worry Monster,” empowers them to take a stand against this bully. 

You’re probably familiar with the term ‘early intervention’. 

Here's a child anxiety checklist to help parents listen for these 15 Phrases that are Code Words. If your child says anything like this on a regular basis, these phrases can be code words for “I’m anxious”: 1- “My tummy hurts.” or “I feel like I might throw up.” Anxious feelings often present in the body. Stomachaches are very common for anxious kids because in the throes of anxiety, the body redirects blood flow from the abdominal organs to the brain, which slows down digestion. That experience can cause nausea. »» 2- “I’m not hungry.” When digestion shuts down because of anxiety, so does the need to eat. »» 3- “Please don’t make me.” or “Can I just stay home?” or “I don’t want to!” Kids with anxiety may start to avoid stressful situations. »» 4- “Please don’t leave me.” or “Is it time to leave yet?” or “I want to go home.” Anxious kids in a stressful environment or situation will typically ask to leave so they can get away from the stress. »» 5- “I feel like I can’t do anything right.” or “I feel like there’s something wrong with me.” Kids with anxiety can be very hard on themselves. »» 6-“I can’t do it!” or “Can you do it for me?” Anxious kids tend to expect perfection from themselves, so they may avoid a difficult task to avoid making a mistake. »» 7- “I’m sorry.” Because anxious kids are typically hard on themselves, they may apologize often, especially for small things. »» 8- “Are you mad at me?” Many anxious children will seek constant approval or reassurance from others. »» 9- “I can’t fall asleep.” Anxious kids may have difficulty falling asleep. »»

10- “I’m so tired.” Kids with anxiety tend to have difficulty falling asleep or getting restful sleep, but sometimes the only sign you’ll see may be them complaining of feeling tired. »» 11- “But what if…? What if…?” Anxious kids typically worry constantly, sometimes about things that are far in the future. »» 12- “Nobody wants to play with me.” or “I don’t really have many friends.” Some kids with anxiety experience an intense fear of social situations. »» 13-“Are you sure…?” or “Do you think…?” Anxious kids tend to ask lots of questions to seek reassurance from you about their worries, like “Are you sure we’re not running late?” or “Do you think the teacher will like my science project?” »» 14- “I feel hot.” or “I can’t breathe.” An anxiety attack (or more commonly referred to as a panic attack) can cause hot flashes and sweating. Other panic attack symptoms include a racing or pounding heartbeat, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, tingling sensations, and chills. »» 15- “I have a headache.” Anxious feelings or a panic attack can also cause a headache. »»

We need to recognize that by infusing activities into our upbringing plans, you can make a strong impact toward diffusing anxious thoughts, beliefs and feelings.

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#childpsychology #anxieties #childrenupbringing