Like adults, children naturally worry. Child psychologist Jacque Cutillo, Ph.D., LLP, LPC, LMHC, Director of Specialized Operations at Youth Villages, says that at the elementary school stage, kids are figuring out their place in the world, testing their beliefs and managing increased responsibilities at home and at school. Additionally, they’re navigating peer relationships, gaining independence and exploring interests. “They develop flexible thinking, considering more ‘gray’ options instead of just black and white,” Cutillo remarks. “And navigating the gray can bring new challenges in determining right and wrong.” Related: Have a Nervous Child in the Doctor’s Office? Here’s How to Ease Shot Anxiety in Your Kids
Do Some Kids Worry More Than Others?
At times, kids can worry about adult concerns like housing, finances and adult relationships. “Adults are sharing more about things that impact their family with their children. Children are more frequently privy to family concerns at an earlier stage of navigating the concern before adults have a plan to solve the issue,” Cutillo says.
2. Macro-Level Worries
Peer concerns, such as feeling included, fitting in and navigating relationships can be a big source of worry. Cutillo says that kids compare themselves to their peers, from what snacks they bring to lunch to how they perform on a test. “Competition and performance have become hallmarks in conversations, and needing to keep up continues to increase stressors to maintain relevancy and remain involved in peer groups,” she observes.
4. Social Media Worries
Children may worry when trying to meet their own expectations, the expectations of the adults in their lives or simply by media that can influence them. “Our children want to be good at things and want to have the skills to succeed," Cutillo says. "Children are doing the best they can with the skills they have, and some have developed the need to be perfect at everything they try.”
6. Transitional Experiences
7. School Worries
Just like work worries for adults, kids get anxious about school as well. “Many children experience worries about school performance,” Cutillo says. “This may be regarding classroom activities, maintaining behavioral norms, standardized tests or public speaking.” Related: If Your Parents or Grandparents Did These 7 Things When You Were a Kid, You're Probably an Anxious Adult
How to Help Your Kids
“When worries grow large and seem to be impacting daily activities or relationships, that is a time to seek further support to help your child navigate their worries,” says Cutillo. “When worries become a problem, caregivers may notice a change in their child’s mood or behavior. A typically energetic and outgoing child may withdraw or appear more subdued.”You might notice a change in tone or attitude if your child is experiencing stressors, as well. You should also watch for changes in physiological presentation as well, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, changes in appetite and reports of head or stomachaches, as she explains.
Related: 7 Habits of a 'Deeply Feeling' Child or Grandchild, According to Dr. Becky Kennedy
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Jacque Cutillo, Ph.D., LLP, LPC, LMHC, child psychologist and Director of Specialized Operations at Youth Villages Read More Details
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