Richard Hogan: Is your child avoiding school? They could be caught in a positive feedback loop

"When we have a fear we generally have three responses, we attempt to control the fear which leads to obsessive behaviours, we attempt to avoid the fear which leads to phobic behaviours or constantly search for reassurance which leads to further worried thoughts."

"Anxiety is the fear of surprise or uncertainty, and we are always living in an uncertain world"

Last week, I explained that anxiety is often future-oriented and develops when a child has worried ruminating thoughts about an unknown future event that they believe they do not have the competency or skills to manage. 

One of the failed interventions parents can get caught in, is constantly trying to reassure their worried child. Of course, it makes sense, the child comes to you for support and encouragement, you give them what they are seeking, but you are puzzled why they are back to you again looking for more encouragement.