Nervous actions in child please advise

[mountbike2]

I am really concerned because my daughter continues to talk EXCESSIVELY to herself at home (ie in the bathroom, when playing the iPad or wii, playing, etc). She is extremely bright and possibly gifted (we will be testing with the school next year). But, I thought this stops around 5 and she's still doing it. Also, she is stimming a lot. She stretches her arms out and makes a fist. She does this when playing, in the mirror, when shooting (in the aisle looking at the food/clothes on the shelves). We haven't had her assessed for anything because the teacher said she is academically bright and making good friends in the classroom.

Any thoughts? She seems to do this when excited, nervous, etc. I don't do anything to change the behavior. Sometimes, I have to remind her to stop with her hands. Oh, also, she doesn't want to see a professional. She is perfectly happy talking to my husband and I about her nervous habits.

On a different note, she seems to have other anxious behaviors ( she is already a spirited child). Doesn't like being late for school (checks the time in the morning), wants to make sure we shut off lights as to not waste electricity, pencils need to be sharpened, etc. please advise. Kind comments please.

[specialmom]

Hi, we've written back and forth several times.  As your child is elementary school age, so often you have described symptoms of anxiety.   I encourage you to look into this for her and I would seek the help of a professional therapist at this point.  Your mama red flag has been waving for quite some time now based on all of your posts.  I think it is time to call a professional in to give you guidance one on one with your daughter.  good luck

[mountbike2]

Thank you so much Mark for the reassurance. It seems like lots of kids are going into therapy and I am trying to avoid it.  But what about the OCD type of things.  Should I be concerned. She likes to turn off lights to save money, she likes her iPad charged, she checks the time in the morning not to be late for school, etc.  

[MarkLakewood3367]

Assuming that your child is still young as you didn't give an age, I wouldn't be concerned about these behaviors.  Talking excessively to herself in not necessarily a bad thing as this is a coping skill that people in general use to figure out conflicts.  I would be more concerned if she didn't talk at all and kept all of her feelings to herself. If she had issues with anxiety, problems would be emerging within the school environment.

If your daughter is doing great at school behaviorally and academically, is being considered for the gifted program, is doing well social, she is doing fine.  I wish that every child does this well.

[mountbike2]

I meant to say she stims when she is "shopping in the aisle" not "shooting" . Sorry for the typo!!!!