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Child mental health

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Original poster

4 year old anxiety

5 replies

Happymunchkin567 · 19/05/2024 22:35

My 4 year old is suddenly super scared of various situations - lifts, getting on busy buses.
I heard that you shouldn't avoid what they're scared of, as that confirms that there's danger, so took her on lifts today. It feels like the worst thing I could've done - I watched her have her first two panic attacks, it was awful.

It's all come on really suddenly - in the last couple of weeks. I'm scared for her.

Has anyone experienced similar? Especially at such a young age?

OP posts:

Ladyj84 · 19/05/2024 22:39

Yes our 4 year old boy has just finished being scared but it was weird everything he never had a problem with buses,trams,trains and things he loved tractors he suddenly stopped being near or going on..luckily we just went with it and after 3 monthsish he has gone back to loving everything like the scary time never happened lol

spicysamosahotcupoftea · 19/05/2024 22:39

Has anything happened that could've caused this to happen so suddenly? Anything she's been watching or anyone she may have spoken to?

WhereIsSpringtime · 20/05/2024 09:06

Might be something she's seen or heard. Has she had a virus recently?

Chickenuggetsticks · 20/05/2024 09:31

May be this

https://www.allanarobinson.com/the-limbic-leap/#:~:text=This%20is%20exactly%20what's%20happening,that%20aren't%20real%20threats.

The Limbic Leap™ - Uncommon Sense Parenting with Allana Robinson

Discover the 'Limbic Leap™' in kids and learn effective parenting strategies for this critical developmental phase in four-year-olds

https://www.allanarobinson.com/the-limbic-leap/#:~:text=This%20is%20exactly%20what's%20happening,that%20aren't%20real%20threats.

Beamur · 20/05/2024 09:39

It's maybe a combination of a development stage plus exposure to something that has scared her.
You're mostly right about not avoiding the things that are triggering as you effectively confirm that they're scary and to be avoided. But unfortunately as you have found out - too much will cause meltdowns.
There's a number of things you can do.
More gentle exposure. Signposting really clearly what's happening. Give choices.
Generally tackling and helping her manage her fears and regulate her feelings - lots of talking.
Read up on anxiety in children - what it looks like, how to help.
My DD went to CAHMS at 7 but we all now realise that she's always had certain issues and still does now in her teens - except she's older and can recognise them and coped much better. It's very scary as a little child to have big feelings you don't understand and can't articulate.

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