A Case of the Worries (Tween)

     It is no surprise that this article is published in Scholastic Parent & Child magazine because all parents of tweens should be aware of this topic.  The article is about anxiety  in tweens.  Although all tweens will likely experience natural anxiety, this age group is especially susceptible to anxiety that can spiral out of control. Some of the direct causes for this might be problems in the home, having to move, dealing with middle school, friendship issues, puberty or bullying. As has been pointed out in the article In Search of the Roots of Adolescent Aggression, there are profound biological changes that occur in this age group.  The one that stands out especially for this topic of anxiety is that children are shifting from concrete thinking to formal operations, the maturation of intelligence, which puts them in the position to be “able to think ahead more clearly and anticipate more problems than before.”

The author has astutely set out signs and symptoms for parents to be aware of which might indicate an unhealthy or unmanageable situation for the tween experiencing high levels of anxiety. When experiencing anxiety, tweens may feel insecure, uneasy and frightened. They “may act withdrawn, inattentive, clingy or aggressive.”  Difficulty sleeping, headache and stomach problems, loss of appetite and withdrawal from social activities are also possible indicators of an anxious tween. They may be unable to take their mind off their troubles and can even reach the point of throwing up. 

The author offers practical ideas for supporting tweens experiencing anxiety. Communication with the tween is vital. The need to feel safe to express their deepest feelings. They need to know they are not alone. They need to feel loved and supported. Coping tips include, taking small steps to help solve the problem and give opportunities for success to improve self-image.  

I am encouraged that this topic is brought to awareness.  I am concerned that not every parent has a subscription to this magazine or is seeking the information through library resources.  It seems that there is a great opportunity for librarians to take an active role in providing parents with the awareness/resources they need to help their tweens with anxiety through community outreach.

HARTLEY-BREWER, E. (2011). A Case of the Worries. Scholastic Parent & Child, 18(5), 68. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.