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8602384 tn?1399294033

How would you explain this?

I have a beautiful 4 year old named Morgan. How do I explain to Morgan about my panic attacks should I have one when she is visiting? My father, her primary care giver does explain that I'm sick but she looked so scared the last time. She asked me if she did it and I told her of course not. I just don't want to burden my child. How do I explain panic attacks in a way that a four year old can understand?
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Avatar universal
I am going through the same problem with my son. My
wife has been a great help in speaking with my son along with myself in saying "that sometimes dad gets sick but he will be ok, just like when your tummy hurts". When kids are that young they won't completely understand what is going on, so we found that relating it to something they are familiar with i.e tummy ache helps.
As time goes on and my son matures it will be better explained. However, if I find myself to be in a state of anxiety and my son is around I will address the anxiety away from him as to cause him not to worry. So please don't worry as there are others with children addressing this very issue and I for one will be happy to talk to help.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Oops!  I forgot!  Morgan is adorable!  :0)
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Hello and welcome!

I'm so glad you found us, but so sorry you needed to find us to begin with.  I think this is an EXCELLENT question!  Often times, we get SO caught up in our anxiety and panic, that we're not always aware of how it affects those around us, especially young children.  I think it's great that you're being proactive about this.

May I ask if you can elaborate a bit on your anxiety history (and anything else you feel is relevant?)  Some basic questions I can think of would be....

How long have you been dealing with anxiety?  Have you seen a mental health professional?  Are you addressing it at all, with therapy, meds, natural approaches?  How many times has your daughter witnessed you having a panic attack?  Can you describe exactly what you were doing in those moments, what you told her, and what SHE was doing?  That info would be super helpful to get an idea of what exactly a panic attack looks like for YOU (as we're all different in that regard) and what she's experienced thus far.

If I also may ask, is your father her primary caretaker because of your anxiety, or are there other reasons?  (Please remember, you don't have to share anything you're not comfortable sharing...just trying to get a better feel for your situation).  Is HER father in the picture at all?  Is she in preschool?  Does she live a pretty typical life for a 4 year old?  How often does she come to visit you, and how long does she stay?  Do you live on your own?  How old are you?  Do you work or go to school?  

I know, it's quite the barrage of questions, but I think YOUR question is really important, and I think the more info we have, the better we will be able to advise you, plus no doubt others would benefit from reading your thread too.  Please just answer whatever you feel okay with, to at least give us a general feel for your situation.

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this.  Anxiety is tough enough, but then having to worry how our anxiety is affecting our child(ren)....well, that's just hard.  Hang in there!!
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8602384 tn?1399294033
May I bump this post? I would really like a response. Sorry. Thank you.
Helpful - 0
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Arlington, VA
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