A problem shared…GP and mother-of-four Clare Bailey gives her indispensable advice

Q My seven-year-old daughter found the recent return to school particularly challenging. She has gone from infants to juniors and struggles with workload and expectations of independence (bringing sports equipment, writing homework, etc.).

I have noticed that it seems to coincide with frequent complaints of abdominal pain before school. I took her to the doctor, but he found nothing wrong.

I’m now wondering if it could be related to anxiety levels? And if so, what can I do to help?

A Going back to school, especially after a long summer vacation, is challenging and will likely result in butterflies in even the most robust of children’s stomachs.

You’ve sensibly checked with your GP to make sure nothing serious is going on, so it’s time you encouraged with confidence; your daughter will pick up quickly if you seem concerned.

Reassuring your daughter that anxiety and ‘tummy wobbling’ are normal will help. And don’t mess with it too much. I remember when I was six years old, I complained that I had a stomachache. My mother gave me little sympathy, and it was all rather dull.

While children feel safest with their most important people, they are also equipped to be resourceful and resilient.

Why do they get stomachaches? Well, seven-year-olds usually don’t have the language to describe how they feel about their worries and uncomfortable feelings in their bodies. Instead, they often appear as a stomachache, making sports and social activities more difficult to enjoy, reinforcing anxiety.

This can escalate to a child who refuses to attend school or is sent home early, compounding the problem. Their fear is usually related to separation from parents or guardians, which is common in young children, but can persist, causing much distress and absenteeism from school.

Friendship issues are also common, as others worry about possible harm to their parents while they are away.

Unfortunately, anxiety in children has increased in recent decades, with nearly ten percent of children ages 3-17 being diagnosed with anxiety.

There are several contributing factors, including the child’s temperament and any conflicts at home.

As many as four percent of children have separation anxiety disorder (SAD).

So how can you help reduce your child’s anxiety and prevent “school day stomachs”?

Clare says, “Don’t pay too much attention to their symptoms. Focus on healthy coping practices, such as breathing exercises’

Explain that different emotions can cause different feelings in the body. They can feel hot and tense when they are angry, while fear can be like butterflies in their stomach.

Don’t pay too much attention to their symptoms. Focus on healthy coping practices, such as breathing exercises.

If your child is not going to school, contact the staff as they can help you put together a plan, including rewards, breaks and, if necessary, a gradual return. For more persistent and troublesome anxiety, they may need referral for more support.

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Keeping your fridge cool is important

Cases of food poisoning have increased, including listeria, which can lead to sepsis and meningitis

Turn down the heating, but don’t mess with your fridge! With the rising fuel prices, we are looking for savings. But tinker with your fridge and you risk food poisoning. Bacteria begin to thrive above 5C. Cases of food poisoning have increased, including listeria, which can lead to sepsis and meningitis. Prepared foods such as salads and sandwiches are risky, as are unpasteurized dairy products.

You can write Clare at: drclarebailey@dailymail.co.uk of Daily Mail, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT.