Supporting my 10 year old with sudden anxiety about plans and holiday.

[Sharkey123]

My previously very outgoing and laid back DD, 10, has suddenly developed anxiety around any 'big' things coming up and I am really struggling to know how best to support her.

She can't quite articulate what is making her feel scared, she just says that her whole brain is telling her not to do things. We've got theatre tickets booked for the weekend (post SATS treat) and she doesn't want to go. We've then got a holiday involving a short haul flight in May half term and the thought of the airport and flying is making her really scared. I feel dreadful about the holiday as we can't cancel but I'm worried she simply won't get on the plane. This feels very out of the blue and talking to her about her feelings is proving difficult as she just shuts down. What am I missing? How can I support her? What if she doesn't get on the plane?!

Have the school been making a massive deal over the SATs and putting pressure on her?
Any major losses or changes in her life recently?

@Floppyearedlab There is definitely SAT's related pressure, and obviously it's a tricky time with hormones and transition to secondary school etc, but we have been so chilled about it at home and I hope DD realises that they really don't mean anything. I feel sad for her, theatre trips and holidays should be as something to look forward to, not a source of fear and anxiety.

Poor girl
Is she an only child? Perhaps if she could take a friend to the theatre too? That way she isn’t the only kid and it may feel a bit more relaxed for her.
Year 6 is such a funny time.