When do you know if you're 10 year old is worrying too much?

Question

My son is 10 years old and we were just talking before bedtime and the topic of worrying came up. We started talking and he just informed me that he worries about things that he imagines. I asked is it school, and he said no, but I took it that he's worrying about things that haven't even happened yet; and he's thinking about the options of what 'could' happen. Does this sound normal? He's doing ok in school, has friends, so it doesn't seem to be affecting his life. But to hear that worried me. Is it normal for a 10 year old to start thinking about things that haven't happened yet; be it death, life, etc?

Answer 1

definitely normal...I can still remember going to my father 1 night and keeping him up until 2 in the am just letting stuff out...like what if my grandchildrens children have to live in a world that is like out of War of the Worlds or what if there is no more water or what if we don't really rotate around the sun and we just get sucked in....Just help him get stuff out-introduce him to creative writing, art, take him to an art museum of even the History museum - I remember my dad taking me and saying something like "Can you imagine what things They were worried about" while we were at an exhibit for Ancient Rome - it really did help put stuff into perspective the things we live now were not even imagined by them in their Worst fears... and the arts help get it out of your head...he's just a thinker...help him express it and it won't seem so heavy to him....

Answer 2

maybe hes a hypochondriac?

Answer 3

My son has arrived to that point in life (he's 6).  My daughter (4) also asks question such as," Are we going to die?"  "What happens if you die?"  They are finally understanding life and reality.  Reassurance is the key.  You can tell him that things might happen, but reassure him that you love him, will be there for him, take care of him and anything else life brings.  " So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself."

Answer 4

i think its normal. he's at that curious age, and little kids just get carried away and see scary stuff or hear about it and just wonder about it and they start to worry. if it gets worse talki to him about it or bring him to a counseler. maybe theres one particular thing bothering him thats causing him to think of other scary things

Answer 5

hey don't get worried i'm 10 too and when i start worrying i start slacking in school i yell a lot so if your son does any of these things is he is probably worrying about stuff

Answer 6

Kids shouldn't be worrying.  They should be kids and have fun.  In short, you know your kid is worrying too much, if you are worrying about your kid worrying.

Answer 7

Its pretty normal. talk with him and see if he tells you anything. I used to worry about stuff at his age. if everything is fine with his life, there isnt much to worry about.

Answer 8

Yes, I think it is normal for a ten year old to worry somewhat.  It is a time of change for them and there is always the fear of the unknown.  They are also more aware of happenings around them, good and bad, and tend to worry about the chances of things happening to them.  They are trying to make sense of their world and the world around them.

That being said,  I would not be concerned unless his worrying becomes excessive and impacts his life ( school grades, relationships with friends,  new fears, etc. )  It is good that he is able to confide in you and that you are a good listener.

Answer 9

if its really affecting him to badly he will stress, he wont sleep until late at night he will be harder to wake up in the morning (more than usual) he may eat more or less and avoid his friends. its early signs of depression, i dont think drugs for kids or minors for that matter helps at all. so maybe just bonding with him like taking him fishing and let him talk.

Answer 10

He is at a stage in life now where he can really separate reality from imagination and so it is frightening to him.  As long as he knows he can discuss his fears and worries with someone, he will be fine.  If other aspects of his life fall within the normal range, he will do ok.  Just be there for him if he watns to talk about anything at all.