When you think of anxiety, you might picture cramming for college exams or satisfying an employer. However, this mental and emotional response isn’t only for adults. Children may also experience anxiety, and without proper treatment, it could affect their child development. Here are some indications that your little one is dealing with anxiety so that you can help them.

How to Tell Your Child Has Anxiety

1. Frequent Tantrums

Young children will occasionally act out when they don't get their way. However, if your child seems to be throwing tantrums regularly, they may be using these blowouts to release their anxiety. Pay attention to when these incidents occur—are they right before your child must go to school or dress themselves? They may be nervous about leaving you and entering a social situation. If you identify the stressors causing their anxiety, you can help prevent the tantrums.

2. Trouble Sleeping

If it seems like your child is trying to stall before bedtime, consider why they are uncomfortable going to sleep. If they lay there awake for more than 30 minutes, they may be anxious about the day’s events, or what will happen tomorrow.

If they wake up in the middle of the night upset, their anxiety might be causing nightmares or night terrors. In this case, a day of active play and a lullaby might not help your child’s aversion to bedtime—they might need to work through the source of their anxiety with a psychologist.

3. Physical Ailments

If your child regularly goes to the school nurse or asks to stay home because they don’t feel well, these physical ailments could be a warning sign of anxiety. While there are instances of psychosomatic injuries, ailments like nausea and diarrhea may also be physical indications of anxiety. If your child is often complaining of headaches, shortness of breath, and muscle soreness, their body may be trying to find a way to communicate the intangible condition of anxiety.

If you notice these signs in your child, schedule an appointment with Children & Adolescent Clinic PC of Hastings, NE. They treat both mental and physical aspects of child development, including anxiety and depression. With their 24/7 emergency services and remote health care appointments, you can prioritize your child’s challenges. To learn more about their services, visit the website. Call (402) 463-6828 to schedule an appointment with a child development specialist.