The world around us can cause problems for children, the same as it does for adults.  Physical growth over short periods of time, and the accompanying concerns about body changes can bring about stress and cause a loss of self-esteem.  School can trouble a child whether it is problems with studies, teachers or peers.  Another cause of stress is fears: fear of the potential danger in school, fear of the dark, fear of going to sleep, fear of doctors or needles, etc.  A child might be embarrassed of habits they have not been able to overcome, like bed-wetting or thumb sucking.  The introduction of a new baby or other family structure change can cause undue stress for them. Of course, you have the major issues that can affect them from hearing about or experiencing crimes and abuses. The child’s world is the one around them until they experience the remaining expanse of the world outside their sphere. They are the “center” of their world. From that aspect, everything else is where they are also. They take on family problems as if they are their own. They sometimes feel fearful or guilty when their parents have relationship issues, as if they caused or should have prevented it. When this occurs, it creates a child older than his actual age. They can carry this guilt and fear into marriage and adult relationships, especially with their children.