4 year old refusing to leave the house
5 answers /
Last post: 07/03/2023 at 3:09 pm
my daughter recently turned 4 and is refusing to leave the house. Cries her heart out at the thought of going anywhere. Family, places she would have ran out the door to not so long ago. If we do get out all she says is me go home now. Every minute She has sensory processing issues and I’m just wondering if this is just another follow on from that. I’ve read most 3-4 year olds get separation anxiety etc but she is refusing to leave the house with me.
im just wondering if anyone else has has this happen?
Hi Holly,
We've moved your thread into our drop-in clinic - child mental health, so you can get the advice and support you need
Hi Holly,
I'm Loraine, one of the Netmums' Parent Supporters.
Gosh I can hear what a worry this is for you and I'm wondering if anything happened recently in your daughter's life that could perhaps have brought on this anxiety?
Have any changes happened with eg. school/classroom/friends/home etc? Sometimes it can be the smallest change that triggers a feeling of insecurity in our little ones. You said: 'Every minute She has sensory processing issues' - can you tell us a bit more about this? How long do you feel like she's been having these issues and could you describe how it affects her?
Another good source of support is your HV or GP - have you thought about chatting things over with them to see if they have any suggestions?
As you said in your post, separation anxiety in 4 year olds is quite common and here at netmums we've published an article on this very subject with tips and links to NHS advice. You can access the details at: https://www.netmums.com/support/separation-anxiety-in-4-7-year-olds
I hope some of this proves helpful Holly, but come back and let us know how things are and we'll try to get you the best information that we can.
Loraine x
It may just be a stage and she’ll get through it or it may turn into something else as it has with my son. He’s now 9 and feels the same as your little girl. Although once he’s at school/party/ event he’s totally fine, it’s just getting him there. Recently I’ve had him listening to a clear minds hypnotherapy session for anxious children. He’s sleeping better and seems to be coping with life a little better. Let her nursery know what’s happening, they’ll be able to support you both. ☘️
It may just be a stage and she’ll get through it or it may turn into something else as it has with my son. He’s now 9 and feels the same as your little girl. Although once he’s at school/party/ event he’s totally fine, it’s just getting him there. Recently I’ve had him listening to a clear minds hypnotherapy session for anxious children. He’s sleeping better and seems to be coping with life a little better. Let her nursery know what’s happening, they’ll be able to support you both. ☘️
Hi Laura
can I ask what the clear minds hypnotherapy sessions are? Is it something we can access online? My son is 3 and quite anxious, sleep is poor (tossing and turning, wakes up a few times during the night) would it be suitable for him?
Thank you