When Should I Be Concerned about my Child’s Clumsiness?

When your child’s clumsiness is noticeably excessive or is occurring beyond what’s appropriate for their age, it may not be wise to ignore. Many children go through stages of clumsiness as their motor functions continue to develop. This may be a reason why parents can tend to rationalize their young children’s poor motor coordination as they go about their simple tasks.

According to Healthline, clumsiness can be a sign of several quite serious medical conditions. Child psychologists also say that it can be triggered by an anxiety disorder, which may need to be treated to help the children become better able to socially adjust and fully develop.

When does clumsiness deserve attention?

When clumsiness is interfering with your child’s daily functioning and confidence it may be time to do something about it. Clumsiness among children is not uncommon, though it can also be typical for young ones to experience different fears and anxieties which can increase clumsiness. If these concerns are the result of anxiety, your child may need professional attention as this type of anxiety will likely not simply dissipate.

Anxiety can continue to cause your child to experience clumsiness and even possibly to become more introverted (Schoemaker and Kalverboer, 2015). If clumsiness is extreme, you may not wish to ignore it as your child’s future may depend on your early action. Signs that your child’s clumsiness may be something more can include:

  • Lack of focus: A child struggling with anxiety may only be able to focus on one thing at a time, and that may just be fear or anxiety. All other information or stimuli can just pass without being processed.
  • Trembling and clammy hands: These are not specific signs, but if these are observed with the other symptoms, it may also be due to anxiety.
  • Overthinking: When your child is overly engrossed in their own thoughts and feelings, your child may not be able to take on any extra information.
  • Hesitation: It may take a while before your child can respond to stimulus. This may be a result of difficulty focusing, being distracted, overthinking or worry preoccupying your child’s mind.

Help Your Child Face Anxiety

Clumsiness may not be the real concern here; it may be anxiety. If your child is experiencing excessive fear or worry, it may prevent your child from developing the skills necessary to have a happy childhood or a successful adult life. The good news is that anxiety is very treatable; you may just need to provide your child the opportunity to have help in overcoming it.

By calling Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC, a licensed, independently contracted counselor specializing in child anxiety can promptly attend to your child’s needs. Don’t allow your child to struggle with anxiety when help tailored to address your child’s needs is available. Call now!

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