Early Signs of Anxiety in Children: How to Support Your Child

Every child feels nervous or worried at times. A big test, a move, or meeting new friends can bring out butterflies in the stomach. But when worry becomes constant, intense, or interferes with daily life, it may be a sign of childhood anxiety.

Recognizing early signs of anxiety can help parents intervene sooner, provide reassurance, and access effective support.

Early Signs of Anxiety in Children

Anxiety can look different in children than it does in adults. Here are some of the most common early signs:

  • Physical complaints: Frequent stomachaches, headaches, or complaints of not feeling well without a medical cause.

  • Sleep difficulties: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or frequent nightmares.

  • Avoidance: Refusing to go to school, participate in activities, or separate from a parent.

  • Excessive worry: Asking lots of “what if” questions or repeatedly seeking reassurance.

  • Irritability or meltdowns: Anxiety often shows up as anger, frustration, or emotional outbursts.

  • Perfectionism: Fear of making mistakes, erasing homework excessively, or avoiding tasks that might not be “perfect.”

  • Restlessness or fidgeting: Difficulty sitting still or concentrating.

If these behaviors are consistent and interfere with your child’s ability to enjoy daily activities, it may be time to consider additional support.

What You Can Do as a Parent

Parents play a crucial role in helping children manage anxiety. Some helpful strategies include:

  1. Validate, don’t dismiss
    Instead of saying, “Don’t worry about it,” try, “I can see that this feels scary for you. Let’s take it step by step.” Validation helps your child feel understood.

  2. Model calm coping
    Children watch how you respond to stress. Showing them healthy coping—deep breathing, problem-solving, or reframing negative thoughts—teaches them to do the same.

  3. Encourage gradual exposure
    Avoiding fears makes anxiety stronger. Support your child in facing fears in small, manageable steps, celebrating effort rather than outcome.

  4. Create routines
    Predictability can reduce anxiety. Consistent bedtime, morning routines, and homework schedules provide a sense of safety.

  5. Seek professional help if needed
    If anxiety is persistent and disruptive, therapy can provide effective tools for both children and parents.

Helpful Books and Podcasts

Sometimes, outside resources can provide reassurance and strategies for both you and your child:

  • Books for Children

    • What to Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner

    • Don’t Feed the WorryBug by Andi Green

    • Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook

  • Books for Parents

    • Freeing Your Child from Anxiety by Tamar Chansky

    • Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents by Reid Wilson & Lynn Lyons

  • Podcasts

    • Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting

    • Flusterclux with Lynn Lyons

    • The Child Anxiety Podcast

What Therapy for Anxiety Looks Like

Therapy for childhood anxiety is tailored to the child’s age, developmental stage, and unique needs. At our practice, we provide specialized support from early childhood through adolescence.

  • Play Therapy (younger children)
    Play therapy allows children to express feelings through toys, stories, and creative activities. It helps them build emotional awareness, learn coping strategies, and practice problem-solving in a safe, age-appropriate way.

  • CBT for School-Age Children
    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective approaches for anxiety. Children learn to recognize anxious thoughts, challenge them, and gradually face their fears with support. Sessions often include games, worksheets, and skill-building exercises.

  • Therapy for Teens
    With teenagers, therapy often focuses on coping skills, stress management, and emotional regulation. Teens also benefit from space to explore identity, peer relationships, and academic pressures. Techniques may include CBT, mindfulness, or Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) if avoidance behaviors are strong.

  • Parent Involvement
    Parents are often included in therapy, learning how to respond in supportive, non-reinforcing ways. Parent coaching helps caregivers feel empowered to manage anxiety at home.

Moving Forward

Anxiety doesn’t mean your child is broken or destined to struggle. With the right support, children can learn to manage worry, build resilience, and thrive.

At Heights Family Counseling, we specialize in helping children and families understand and cope with anxiety through play therapy, CBT, and parent coaching. Whether your child is five or fifteen, our therapists can provide tools and strategies that bring both children and parents relief.

If your child is showing signs of anxiety, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Therapy can provide the support, education, and skills your family needs to feel calmer and more connected.

Anxiety TreatmentAmy RolloHeights Family Counseling