As a parent, you want nothing more than for your child to feel safe, happy, and confident. But even in loving, secure environments, children can experience anxiety, and it’s more common than many realize. According to the CDC, roughly 11% of children aged 3–17 in the U.S. have been diagnosed with anxiety, and many more experience symptoms without a formal diagnosis.

Understanding what anxiety looks like in children and knowing how to support them can make a significant difference in their well-being.

What does anxiety look like in children?

Unlike adults, children may not have the language or self-awareness to express that they’re feeling anxious. Instead, anxiety can show up in a variety of emotional, behavioral, and physical ways. Here are some common signs of childhood anxiety:

Emotional signs:

  • Frequent worry or fear, even about small things
  • Irritability or frequent mood swings
  • Excessive crying or clinginess
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Behavioral signs:

  • Avoiding certain places or activities (like school or social events)
  • Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes
  • Trouble sleeping, frequent nightmares, or refusal to sleep alone
  • Seeking constant reassurance from adults

Physical signs:

  • Stomachaches or headaches with no medical explanation
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Rapid heart rate, sweating, or shortness of breath
  • Fatigue or restlessness

These signs can vary depending on the child’s age and personality. While occasional anxiety is normal, especially during big changes like starting school or moving, persistent or worsening symptoms may be cause for concern.

What are causes of childhood anxiety?

Anxiety in children can stem from a variety of causes, both environmental and biological. Common triggers of anxiety in children include:

  • Parental conflict
  • Divorce
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Academic pressure
  • Fear of failure
  • Starting at a new school
  • Bullying
  • Exposure to traumatic events
  • Chronic illness
  • Excessive screen time
  • Lack of sleep

Some children may also be genetically predisposed to anxiety, especially if there is a family history of anxiety disorders. Often, a combination of these factors plays a role in the development and persistence of anxiety in children.

How parents can support an anxious child

Create a safe, open environment
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings. Avoid brushing off their fears with phrases like “Don’t worry about it,” or “That’s silly.” Instead, validate their feelings with responses like, “That sounds really hard,” or “I’m here to help you through this.”

Establish routines and predictability

Anxious children often feel comforted by knowing what to expect. Regular routines around bedtime, meals, and school can help reduce stress.

Teach coping skills

Simple strategies like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or using a calming object (like a stress ball or fidget toy) can help children manage anxious moments.

Model healthy anxiety management

Let your child see how you cope with your own worries in healthy ways — talking through your feelings, practicing mindfulness, or taking breaks when overwhelmed.

Set gentle, realistic expectations

Don’t push your child to “face their fears” too quickly. Support gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, and celebrate small victories.

When to seek professional help

While supportive parenting can go a long way, some children need extra help. Consider seeking therapy if your child:

  • Experiences anxiety that interferes with daily life (school refusal, social withdrawal, etc.)
  • Shows signs of depression or low self-esteem
  • Engages in self-harming behaviors or talks about wanting to hurt themselves
  • Experiences panic attacks or extreme reactions to stress
  • Doesn’t improve with time or home-based strategies

A licensed therapist or psychologist can provide a proper evaluation and recommend treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, or family counseling.

Final thoughts

Childhood anxiety is real, but it’s also highly treatable. Early support, whether at home or through therapy, can help your child develop tools to manage their feelings and thrive. You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is being present, compassionate, and willing to seek help when it’s needed.

Remember: by recognizing the signs and offering a steady hand, you’re giving your child the confidence and resilience to navigate a complex world.

You’ve got this!

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