Anxiety in Young Children 0-6
Infant Anxiety 
Fears are very common in young children. Many fears often start in infancy, developing and changing over time. Normal fears during infancy may include (for example) a fear of loud noises, animals, strangers and separating from a loved one. At preschool age, children typically show fears of being on their own and of the dark. Normal fears in childhood are fairly short-lived.
Anxiety is a very normal part of a child’s development and it plays an important role in keeping people safe and helping people to survive. A child will be anxious or fearful in a situation if they think that something bad is going to happen. Although anxiety is a normal experience, some children (about one in ten) experience it more intensely and more often than other children, stopping them from getting the most out of life.
Are my child’s fears normal?
Most children have fears or worries of some form. To work out whether your child’s anxiety is normal, ask yourself the following question:
Are my child’s fears stopping him from doing things he wants to be able to do or messing thing up with his friendships, preschool or family life?
If the answer is “Yes a great deal!” then consider seeking professional help. Anxiety that is severe can impact on a child’s health and happiness. Some anxious children will grow out of their fears. Other children, unless they receive treatment, will continue to experience problems as a result of their anxiety.
To find out about our programs for young children, click here.
To find out more about the emotional health of young children, click here.
