Kids & Parenting

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Helping Children Who Worry
©2015

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Many people use the words “fear” and “worry” as though these two words mean the same worry being a mild form of fear. Actually, “fear” is an emotional response stimulated by a REAL situation, person or animal. On the hand, “worry” is an emotional response resulting from an IMAGINARY situation, person, or animal.

Worry is observed more frequently in older children, adolescents and adults than it is in younger children. Only when a child reaches the stage or age of reason when he or she can think and perceive beyond the moment is he or she subject to worry.

Worry, like fear, if it is permitted to persist, may result in physical and mental health issues. For this reason, it is wise for parents/caregivers to encourage their child to talk freely and openly with you about any subject. In doing so, you, as their parent/caregiver may answer their question or questions about what it is that bothers or get them the professional help that is needed. In the majority of instances, parents/caregivers have been found equipped to deal with what is causing their child to worry. That is allowing their child to put what worries them into words. This strategy for deal with worry will generally help her/him to see for themselves how needless or senseless it really was.

Should a child continue to worry such that it becomes harmful, it is helpful to search for professional help. Professional help does not translate into parental failure. It is important that a crisis or tragic circumstance is never attained before a child receives the help he or she needs.

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