childhood anxiety

[kzeigler]

My 41/2 yr. old has always been very emotional and sensitive, however she is also very social and outgoing.  In the last two weeks she has began crying all the time becuase she is "worried"  She crys at church and preschool multiple times during class. She is so worried about getting in trouble even though she never really does.  She also thinks somehow everything that happens with her freind is her fault.  She says she just cant stop thinking about things and then she crys.  Her teachers have come to me concerned because she was not like this before.  She worries about things like not remembering all the instructions given or not completing the craft eaxactly like the teacher said.  Her fears are over simple everyday activities and if she is not able to complete them exactly  as stated.  She also worries about everything she says and often repeats conversations to me and asks if she what she said was okay .  I am worried about her and don't know if this is just a phase and part of normal child development or is she developing an anxiety disorder?  I also don't know how to handle the situation if I should just talk to her about her emotions and try to squelch her fears or if we should be more firm since it is disrupting others and not allow her to act this way. I am afraid she will soon have no friends because they are calling her a cry baby and getting sick of her crying alll the time.  I would appreciate any suggestions.  Thanks

[mammo]

It does sound like she is having anxiety.  Take her to a child behavorial specialist for evaluation as to what, if anything is going on.  If she is anxious the sooner this gets addressed the better, as it will only worsen with age.  I wouldn't try and guess on this, she is staying upset by worrying about doing and saying everything perfectly which we know is impossible.  But in her mind it's very important and you need to find out why.  The specialist can best advise you as to what you can do to help her.

[Kjerstin]

This will sound strange, but are you sure that her belly is full enough?  I know my child acts strangely when she is hungry.  For some reason, children this age will not tell the parent that they are hungry or maybe they do not even recognize the hunger being that their mind is so active.  I would first make sure that her belly is full and make sure she is getting lots of sleep at night.  If her belly is definitely full and she is getting say about at least 10 hours of sleep and the behavior continues, you may want to take her to a medical doctor because there are some medical problems that can cause excessive crying (not to alarm you).  Make sure she her diet is not lacking the vitamin B's (so many of us do not get enough of the B's).