Child has Anxiety - Can't talk to Daycare Mom about it.

[Lee-Bee]

If the child has anxiety and is repeating words to ease that anxiety DO NOT force the child to stop saying that word. It is their way of coping. Get down to the core problem otherwise you will just increase the anxiety.

Have a frank discussion with your daughter, explain why this child is saying these words. Your child should understand on a basic level.

Start taking notes as to when the child says these words. What is going on before. WHY is she feeling anxious. Find some more acceptable strategies for the child to use to ease the anxiety so she isn't targeting when she starts school.

I would also have a frank discussion with her parents about what you plan to do. See if you can encourage them to seek outside supports. The sooner the better.

[pinkspring331]

Hi thank you for your reply. I spoke with the Mom about it and she said she isn't worried about it and to just leave it alone. She is not concerned about why and thinks it will just go away on its own. She said that it's like a.nervous tic.

I would love to help ease this child's anxiety but if the parents don't care I guess I shouldn't.

[Lee-Bee]

If the parents are not on board then you are certainly more limited in what you can do...BUT it doesn't mean you can't do anything.

You can still take notes and observe to see if you can gain more information. You can try and provide different coping skills etc. It doesn't have to be directed at this one child...any and all children can benefit from learning about such coping strategies.

You likely won't have a great deal of progress if she is starting school in the fall and the parents are not on board but it will still be useful.

I would just again caution that if it is anxiety causing the repetitive words then I wouldn't force the child to stop or punish the child...it is not the same as trying to curb a bad behavior. Too much pressure to stop saying the words to release anxiety will end in the use of other coping strategies (which may be worse than repetitive words).

Hopefully the school is able to work with the family to acknowledge it is beyond the scope of 'normal'.