Avatar Posted by rayne137 129 days ago (Question)
I have an 8 year old daughter. Recently, like in the last month she has taken to worrying about if a cut gets on her skin, she gets really scared and paranoid thinking something bad is going to happen to her. One example is...

We watched the movie Doctor Dolittle the other day and the subject of blood clots came up because of a part in the movie. She started asking all these questions about how you get a blood clot and what would happen if you did and what the symptoms were. I explained to her that sometimes people get blood clots in their legs or other places and sometimes you may start to have some numbness in that area and they have to go to doctor to have it fixed. Well, after the movie was over she started crying and said that she could feel her leg going numb and thought that she was getting a blood clot right then. I had to repeatedly reassure her that she wasn't getting one. That is takes years for that to happen and as far as I knew children didn't get them. It helped her for the most part but for about an hour or so, she was continually asking questions about it. Any advice would be helpful as to why she is developing this worry and how to get her out of or help her through this stage in her life would be appreciated. Thanks so much in advance.

Maureen


Answers

Written by bellacutie 129 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Hi Maureen,

just to let you know we're not therapists or doctors here. I'm a mom as well with 2 girls age's 7 and 11. I'm wondering if this is a normal stage in childhood developement because my 11 yr old has gone through a similar thing the last year. We saw an episode of Oprah with DR. OZ and he was talking about 'dry drowning' where a boy was swimming an choked a little on some pool water but seemed fine. Later when the boy went home he took a nap then died and they said it was that. So my daughter choked on a popsicle and later complained of trouble breathing and she started worrying it was dry drowning.

Perhaps they are at an age where they are starting to understand the medical possibilities and grappling with the thoughts of their own mortality. Try to calmly find out if she's worried about dying and that's why she's overly concerned with 'what if's'. Reassure her that you are fully capable of watching out for her and that she doesn't have to worry. Tell her it doesn't do any good to worry about things that are unlikely to happen. Try to keep her busy and physically active. Also you might want to get her a science book about the human body as this may be a simple curiousity about how the body works. If it doesn't settle down after a few months then talk to her pediatrician. Best of luck.

Written by Edahn 129 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I would try to not be so serious about it and maybe even a little playful. Avoid programs that deal with injury and danger (shows, even the news) and when she asks about things, don't indulge her. Minimize the severity of things. So if she's worried about a cut on her, you can say "it's just a little cut, it's nothing to be worried about sweetie. I'll get you a paper towel." Then walk very calmly and get it for her. Your body language and tone are very important. If you are relaxed and even playful, your body language and tone will convey that everything is okay. Like bella said, if she persists, just repeat the same phrase "you're okay, there's nothing wrong." and redirect her attention to a new activity.

If it persists, you can see a child psychologist.

Written by Clyde 117 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I like Bella's explanation the best on this part, but it is true that if you cannot get her to understand, the best next step is either a pediatrician or a child psychologist.

Best,

Clyde


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