My eldest DD is 5 and worries about EVERYTHING.
Her world has been very small due to being in a military family so we live apart from all out friends and family plus her health issues have meant we have been unable to leave her with babysitters etc. As a result she is closely bonded with me but worries about being apart from me.
In addition to this she cries and panics about every eventuality. For example she does not want to go in the big playground at school, is worried that people don't like her, is worried that she won't like the good in restaurants and that the waiter will tell her off.
Every aspect of her life causes worry to her and it is heartbreaking.
It is now impacting on out choices as a family, we want to go to Disneyland Paris but are hesitant because the anxiety about people dressed up as characters is so huge that it ruins the experience before we have even got there.
I currently listen to her worry, ask specifically what it is that is upsetting, ask about how realistic that fear is and how she could deal with it if it did happen. Reassure her of the most likely out come and encourage her to try new things with lots of praise.
The teacher says she is attention seeking which I tend to agree with that to some extent but my DH was the same as a child and still anxious.
Has anyone got any suggestions, tips or places I can go for help? It is absolutely exhausting and draining for her to be like this and also for me who is trying my best but feeling like a total failure.
Thanks in advance