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OCD/anxiety in DD7

6 replies

WishIWasHibernating · 07/01/2026 10:13

DD7 moved schools at the start of the school year and has done really well settling in. She is very bright but a worrier and often overthinks things.

Context
Yesterday was her first day back this term and went well, although she was very tired. We drove home last night and she was asking whether she could take a particular toy to school the next day (as it is relevant for a new topic they are starting). I said yes, but she would need to pack it safely in a box before bathtime so that it was ready to go. I reminded her when we got home and again before she chilled out - we do not have much time between getting home and getting ready for bed - (unavoidable) and she didn't do anything about it but had a nice chilled time chatting and watching CBBC for half an hour.

Situation
When it came to the time to go and have a bath before bed she suddenly said "oh no! I've got to go and put X in a box!". At this point it felt like delaying tactics trying to stay up later so I calmly said there wasn't time, but that she could do it in the morning if she got up promptly and I didn't have to drag her out of bed (normal scenario). She got more and more worked up and ended up having a meltdown.

I kept calm and eventually she told me: "you don't understand, it's urgent, if I don't do it, I feel as though we will all get killed"

That comment tipped things over for me and I suddenly felt like I wasn't dealing with an over-tired child who wanted a later bedtime, but a child dealing with intrusive thoughts/OCD concerns.

I am way out of my depth. Has anyone been through anything similar?

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Iloveeverycat · 07/01/2026 18:26

The only understanding I can offer is on you tube the Speakmans have a video explaining about this type of OCD.

maria127 · 07/01/2026 20:22

I had similar with my 7yo. I followed the audio book breaking free of child anxiety and ocd on audible (can buy the paperback on amazon if preferred)

mindutopia · 07/01/2026 20:48

I think you’re overthinking this. As someone who has experienced OCD and intrusive thoughts, I think you are probably placing an adult explanation over top of a normal childhood meltdown over a transition that didn’t go as expected. Give her some grace. She was trying to do what you wanted her to do and to be able to share her special toy in school and she felt rushed and overwhelmed probably because she was tired. If it becomes an ongoing issue, yes, something to explore, but I wouldn’t go labelling a one off as anxiety and OCD.

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Wowzel · 07/01/2026 20:49

maria127 · 07/01/2026 20:22

I had similar with my 7yo. I followed the audio book breaking free of child anxiety and ocd on audible (can buy the paperback on amazon if preferred)

Was it any good?

maria127 · 07/01/2026 23:54

Yes, it was easy to follow and made a lot of sense, definitely helped us

StarDolphins · 08/01/2026 00:00

My DD went through a very anxious stage at around 5-7 and I very nearly sought professional help. I can’t remember exactly what she said now but I remember thinking hmm, that’s not a healthy thought process. I got loads of anxiety/worry books that had worksheets in them and we did them together religiously every day. She’s 9 now and is totally different.

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