Many parents notice when something feels “off” with their child, even if they can’t quite name it. Anxiety in children can look different than it does in teens or adults, and it may show up in unexpected ways.
As part of our School Smarts for Fresh Starts series, Rogers Behavioral Health’s Dr. Amy Kuechler, PsyD, LP, clinical director, Rogers’ Brown Deer outpatient clinic, shares common signs and how to support a child who is anxious.
What is anxiety in children?
Anxiety in children is a pattern of excessive fear, nervousness, or avoidance that interferes with daily life. According to a recent study, approximately 11% of children ages 3 to 17 were diagnosed with anxiety disorder.
While every child worries from time to time, anxiety negatively impacts their:
- Relationships with family and friends
- Performance and engagement in school
- Sleep
What causes anxiety in kids?
Children can develop anxiety from a mix of factors, often described as “nature and nurture.”
Nature: Genetic makeup and family history
Nurture: Parenting style and family members modeling anxious behaviors
Traumatic and stressful life events can also play a role in the development of anxiety disorders.
What are the most common signs of anxiety in children?
Anxiety can show up in children in a variety of ways, including emotionally, physically, and behaviorally.
Emotional symptoms may include:
- Worry
- Irritability
- Fear
- Panic
Physical symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Stomachaches
- Fatigue
- Soreness
Behavioral signs can include:
- Avoiding situations
- Clinging to parents
- Having aggressive outbursts
How does a child’s anxiety impact family relationships and friendships?
Children with anxiety disorders can significantly impact the family dynamic. They often require more of their parents’ attention, which can cause a lot of stress and tension within the family. Oftentimes, parents change their parenting style with the child who is struggling. Siblings can act out or respond negatively to the inconsistency in the household.
Kids with anxiety often feel nervous about friendships. They tend to overthink everything about them, including what to say in situations or what a simple comment from a friend might mean. Their anxiety can make it harder to form stable, trusting relationships and develop social skills.
What might a child say, or not say, when they’re feeling anxious?
Children typically don’t know what anxiety is, and they may not be able to identify what they’re feeling. Instead, they will express other thoughts or feelings related to anxiety, such as:
- Constant worry about their safety or being left alone
- Not wanting to go places or avoiding people or locations due to fears of being embarrassed or out of place
- Ongoing physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, headaches, or feeling sick
What are ways to support a child who has anxiety?
Probably the most important thing that parents and caregivers can do for a child who feels anxious is validate their feelings. Even if their thoughts and emotions are based on irrational fears, it’s important not to dismiss them or tell them to get over it. Acknowledge their feelings and let them know you’ll work together to manage them.
If anxiety is significant enough that it’s impacting everyday life, I recommend seeking mental health treatment.
How can mental health treatment help a child with anxiety?
During mental health treatment, we help children and their families understand anxiety and identify ways in which everyone can work toward recovery.
An important part of treatment is teaching a child coping strategies so they can manage their anxiety in the moment and lessen it in the future.
Anxiety disorder treatment at Rogers
We understand how difficult it can be when a child is struggling with an anxiety disorder. We’re here to help with compassionate and effective care. We’ll work with you and your family to guide you through every step.
Call 833-308-5887 for a free, confidential screening.
Part of our back-to-school series, School Smarts for Fresh Starts
Looking for more back-to-school tips? Click here for additional resources from our experts.
Common signs include excessive worry, irritability, fear, headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, avoidance of situations, clinging to parents, and changes in behavior.
While all children worry at times, anxiety becomes a concern when fear, nervousness, or avoidance consistently interferes with school, relationships, sleep, or daily activities.
Childhood anxiety can develop from a combination of genetic factors, family history, learned behaviors, parenting influences, and stressful or traumatic life experiences.
Parents can help by validating their child’s feelings, providing support and reassurance, encouraging healthy coping skills, and maintaining consistent routines.
Consider seeking mental health support if anxiety is affecting your child’s ability to participate in school, maintain friendships, sleep well, or engage in normal daily activities.
