Anxious child

[Concepta]

My 6 year old is going through a difficult stage at the minute. She seems to be worrying about everything. She has been learning about people who help us and the school seems to be discussing fire and how the fire brigade can help us. She has been waking me up at unusual times eg 2.30 AM and asking if the smoke alarms are working. She was very anxious about sports day and a lot of other things too. Is she normal or should I be worrying too!! Any advice?

Hmmm I remeber that year 1 topic. I think they do the fire of London too. I vividly remember dd1 not being able to get to sleep as she was worried about the house burning down...

She was quite stressy generally at this age. Now quite a cocky confident 12 year old

My 6 year old DS3 was worried last night that I might choke on some popcorn when I said I was going to the cinema .
I think it's an age when they suddenly become much more aware of the wider world and therefore of "bad things" that might happen. It does pass - all you can do is keep rationalising things with cold hard facts and statistics, which I think do help. Just keep talking and trying to explain away irrational worries, without dismissing them.

I have just got hold of a couple of books for my 11 y.o. son which are excellent and came recommended by a work colleague who is a paediatrician. He has always been a slighty anxious child, worries about things - gets it from me sadly! The books are designed to read through together and are based on recognised techniques and our first impressions are really good - I wish I had got hold of them sooner. Called 'What to do when you worry too much' by Dawn Huebner and 'What to do when you dread your Bed' Dawn Huebner - both in Amazon - sorry couldn't seem to post the link but you should find them ok. See what you think - are aimed at children as young as 6 up to about 12 I think - but to be honest even as an adult they are useful!! Good luck.

Thanks for your words of advice and encouragement. I will try and get hold of those books and its good to know that my dd is not the only one and hopefully this stage will pass quickly. Thanks again everyone.

Thanks for your words of advice and encouragement. I will try and get hold of those books and its good to know that my dd is not the only one and hopefully this stage will pass quickly. Thanks again everyone.