Children can feel anxious about different things at different ages. Many of these worries are a normal part of growing up. There are many different occasions in life where we might feel worried or anxious. It is really important that we are helping to support children if they are struggling with their anxieties.

When young children feel anxious, they cannot always understand or express what they are feeling. You may notice that they:

• become irritable, tearful or clingy
• have difficulty sleeping
• wake in the night
• start wetting the bed
• have bad dreams

In older children you may notice that they:

• lack confidence to try new things or seem unable to face simple, everyday challenges
• find it hard to concentrate
• have problems with sleeping or eating
• have angry outbursts
• have a lot of negative thoughts, or keep thinking that bad things are going to happen
• start avoiding everyday activities, such as seeing friends, going out in public or going to school

Here are some useful links for parents or carers, it you feel that your child is struggling with their anxieties. Alternatively please get in contact with the school to make an appointment with Mrs Dot Farrell, our Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead for further support.

• Place2Be: Parenting Smart: My child is anxious
• BBC Bitesize - Wellbeing
• Amazon Link - Breathe like a bear