Kids ages 5-7 need help from parents and professionals when severe anxiety gets in the way of eating, sleeping, or going to school. For example:
- The child can't enjoy playing because the child checks, counts, or "confesses" scary thoughts to parents 1+ hour per day
- The child is unable to sleep enough, due to fear of "the dark," monsters, bugs, dogs, or scary characters
- The child is unable to eat enough food due to fears about germs, dirt, mold or household cleaners
- The child asks parents over and over for reassurance about their fear