Anxiety in children is expected and normal at specific times in development. Young children may have short-lived fears, such as fear of the dark, storms, animals, or strangers. Anxieties can become severe and begin to interfere with the daily activities of childhood, such as separating from parents, attending school, and making friends. You should discuss concerns you have about your child's anxieties with your child's physician. The physician may then refer your child to a mental health professional for an evaluation.
Some anxious children are afraid to meet or talk to new people.
Children with this difficulty may have few friends outside the family. Anxious children are often overly tense or uptight. Some may seek a lot of reassurance, and their worries may interfere with activities. Because anxious children may also be quiet, compliant, and eager to please, their difficulties may not be easily noticed. Parents should be alert to the signs of severe anxiety so they can intervene early to prevent complications.