I talked to my kids when I started having panic attacks. I told them that it comes from stress and what I'm doing to get it under control. They haven't developed any signs of panic disorder yet. I was wondering: as a child I felt VERY courageous and was proud of not being panicky or worrying too much at all. I thought I can handle any problem that comes my way. The whole panic disorder only started in my 20s when I had a boyfriend who was afraid of all sorts of things. Does anyone of you have a similar experience? hope

My oldest son started having panic attacks when he was about four, which is around the time I started having mine. Kids are like sponges - the soak up everything around them. He only had a few and it really bothered me A LOT so I sat him down during one and told him that everything is ok and to just ride it out and there is nothing to be afraid of. That was his last one. Since then, I've been very receptive to pick up anything either of my boys are being irrational about and I explain to them that things are ok and how whatever it is works so they understand it better and stop being afraid about it. For instance, if they show a fear of spiders, I point out all the wonderful things about them like how they keep bugs out of the house, how amazing their webs are, etc.... Just pick up anything they are obsessing or worrying about and show them all the good things about whatever it is. When they see me getting upset and panicky, I explain to them that everything is ok and that I just need a little bit of time to calm down because sometimes I have a hard time dealing with things but that I am working on learning how to get over this and that it will take some time before it's gone completely. Then I tell them how much I love them and how proud I am of them so they don't ever feel like this is their fault or something. My oldest son is 14 now and he hasn't had any panic attacks since he was four - thank God! Another reason I am trying so hard to beat this is so if either of my boys ever have this problem, I can help them through it. My youngest son was watching the news the other day and he mentioned that he didn't understand why this guy had died doing some recreational thing (I can't remember what it was now) because he knew the risks involved. So, I told him, well, at least he died doing something he loved because even though there are risks involved, it's better to take a chance than die sitting on your couch because you were too afraid to live. It surprised me that I said this because I feel like that's exactly what I'm doing. Letting my fear of death become a fear of life. Maybe I should listen to my own advice.... :confuse: How are your kids? Are they having anxiety attacks or showing signs of having anxiety?

Hi, Absolutely I have noticed that my daughter is showing signs. She is 5 and when she gets upset she complains about getting itchy. I know it's nothing more than her nerves. As soon as she calms down she's not itchy anymore. I try to talk to her calm. But her biggest fight with me, is that she wants "ME" to calm her down. I try, but only to a point. She needs to learn that she needs to calm herself. But yes, I unfortunately see my anxious ways rubbing on to my little one. I'm hoping that by her starting school next month she will have more on her mind, and a lot more fun than staying at home all day with me. Good luck, Lorie

Just wondering of anyone is starting to see their children develop anxious personalities and what you are doing about it?