Many children have rituals: the same story every night, cuddly toys arranged in a particular order, avoiding the cracks between paving stones. These routines give a sense of security and are usually flexible. If one day they cannot be done, there is some protest and life goes on.

Signs to watch for

  • The behaviours take up a lot of time, for example more than an hour a day.
  • The child gets very distressed if they cannot do them or has to repeat them “until they're right”.
  • They interfere with school, sleep or play.
  • They constantly ask for reassurance with the same question.
  • They avoid places or objects for fear of dirt or of something bad happening.

What we can do at home

Do not make fun of them or tell them off: they are not doing it on purpose. Nor is it a good idea to take part in the rituals or to answer the same question over and over, because that keeps them going. It helps to name the worry and talk about it calmly.

When to see someone

If these signs persist for weeks or get worse, it is worth asking a child psychology professional for an assessment. There are effective treatments, and the sooner they start, the better they work.