Child Anxiety and Fears: How to Help Your Child

Anxiety is a normal emotion that helps us be cautious. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, constant, and interferes with daily life, we're dealing with an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders occur in 10-15% of children and are the most common psychological problems of childhood. In Rishon LeZion, many parents notice signs of elevated anxiety in their children.

Emotional signs:

• Constant fears and worries
• Intrusive anxious thoughts
• Fear of new situations
• Perfectionism, fear of making mistakes
• Excessive need for approval

Physical symptoms:

• Headaches without medical causes
• Stomach aches, nausea
• Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath
• Sweating, trembling
• Sleep disturbances, nightmares
• Fatigue, dizziness

Behavioral signs:

• Avoidance of school or social situations in Rishon LeZion
• Clinging to parents, unwillingness to separate
• Refusal to try new activities
• Crying, tantrums in stressful situations
• Obsessive rituals (checking, repeating)

Preschoolers (3-6 years):

• Fear of separation from parents
• Fear of darkness, monsters
• Fear of loud sounds, animals
• Fear of doctors, injections

Elementary school (7-12 years):

• School anxiety (fear of tests, speaking in class)
• Social fears (fear of peer judgment)
• Fear of death (own or parents')
• Fear of natural disasters, catastrophes

Teenagers (13+ years):

• Social anxiety (fear of negative evaluation)
• Future anxiety (studies, career)
• Perfectionism, fear of failure
• Panic attacks

Contact a psychologist in Rishon LeZion if:

• Fears last more than 6 months and don't decrease
• Anxiety interferes with school performance in Rishon LeZion
• Child avoids important activities due to fear
• Panic attacks have appeared
• Physical symptoms without medical causes
• Fears affect sleep and appetite
• Child cannot be without parents
• Declining academic performance due to anxiety

Irina Soselia in Rishon LeZion uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – the most effective method for treating child anxiety:

Cognitive Restructuring

Teaching the child to recognize and change anxious thoughts:

• Identifying automatic negative thoughts
• Evaluating the realism of fears
• Replacing catastrophic thoughts with realistic ones

Gradual Exposure

Step-by-step confrontation with frightening situations:

• Creating a hierarchy of fears (from mildest to strongest)
• Gradual approach to the frightening situation
• Reinforcing success at each stage

Relaxation Techniques

• Breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Visualization
• Mindfulness

Working with Parents

In Rishon LeZion, Irina teaches parents:

• How not to reinforce anxious behavior
• How to support the child without overprotection
• Gradual exposure methods at home
• Managing their own anxiety

• Don't avoid frightening situations: avoidance strengthens fear
• Validate emotions: "I understand you're scared"
• Don't give excessive reassurance: constant "everything will be fine" reinforces anxiety
• Praise bravery: acknowledge attempts to cope with fear
• Be a role model: show how you handle anxiety
• Create predictability: routine reduces anxiety

Child anxiety is treatable. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps children master anxiety management skills and live a full life. In Rishon LeZion, Irina Soselia with 25 years of experience will help your child overcome their fears.

Appointment: 📞 052-9545210