Stress Symptons in School Age Children

Kids this age are hearing and talking about things like war and terrorism on top of a lot of parents splitting up. It can be a scary time. Some of the symptoms you may see in kids that could indicate anxiety or stress over something are varied and listed below. Here are some of the symptoms for the 6-11 age group:

• Sleep Disturbances


• Safety Concerns (my daughter is neurotic about danger)


• Aggressive/Angry Behavior


• Not concentrating at school; lower grades


• Worried about others (my daughter)


• Change in mood/personality (my daughter)


• Physical signs (aches and pains) - (my daughter)


• Obvious anxiety and fear (my daughter again)


• Pays close attention to a parent's worries (my daughter...we have to be very careful because she not only listens to what we talk about but watches our facial expressions very closely)


• Not wanting to go to school


• Withdrawing


• Regression


• Loss of interest in activities


• Separation Anxiety

My daughter was already a timid child to begin with but after something bad happened to her, it was just magnified a hundred times. Her anxiety wasn't brought on by her parents splitting up (we're still happily married). For her, it means extreme worry and fear over most everything anymore.

If you think your child is suffering from extreme anxiety or stress that is affecting his or her daily life, please talk to you child's doctor.