My 6yo is showing signs

My 6yo daughter has been showing signs of contamination OCD and it's starting to worry me. I have struggled with compulsive tendencies my whole life and just dealt with it, but as a parent I don't know how to avoid reinforcing her anxiety around contamination. I'm only now realizing I should get help myself, but I need some tips on how to help her at home until I get to my appointment.

Some examples of what she does:
Anything touches the floor in public and she refuses to touch it.
A food item touches her clothing and she will not eat it because her clothes have germs from school.
If we say "throw up" or "vomit" she has a strong reaction and says "Don't say that! That makes me scared!"
She doesn't want to sit on the couch because the dogs go on the couch and her spot is "dirty" from the dogs.

I don't know what to do to prevent reinforcing her anxiety. Anything to help until I can hopefully get her to therapy would be appreciated.

Posted May 7, 2026, 12:42 PM UTC

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