Knowing what to look for in children can lead caring adults to seek professional assistance. Generally the world for small children is predictable and stable served by dependable people. Any disruption in stability causes stress. Children can change their behavior and react by doing things that are not in keeping with their usual style. Behaviors seen in earlier phases of development such as thumb sucking and regression in toileting may reappear.
Age groups differ in reactions.
For example, loss of prized possessions, especially pets, hold greater meaning during middle childhood. Adolescents feel their growing independence from parents and family is threatened. At this time, it feels different since the family needs to pull together during this time and less independence is allowed. OR night frights excessively preoccupied with one thought .