MHiPS
Understanding Anxiety in Children: What Parents May Notice
Feeling worried, nervous, or unsure is a normal part of growing up.
Children may experience anxiety before a test, a sporting event, or a new experience. However, for some children, anxious feelings can become overwhelming and begin to affect their daily lives, friendships, learning, and wellbeing.
Anxiety does not always look the way we expect.
Many children are unable to explain what they are feeling, so their anxiety may present through changes in behaviour, emotions, physical symptoms, or school engagement.
How Anxiety May Present in Children
Physical Signs
Children often experience anxiety in their bodies before they can put their feelings into words. They may complain of:
- Stomach aches or nausea
- Headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- A racing heart
- Changes in appetite
These symptoms are real and can be very distressing for a child.
Emotional Signs
Anxious children may:
- Seem more worried than usual
- Become easily upset or tearful
- Need frequent reassurance
- Show increased sensitivity to mistakes or criticism
- Express fears about everyday situations
Behavioural Signs
Anxiety can sometimes appear as challenging behaviour. Children may:
- Avoid certain activities or situations
- Refuse to attend school or participate in events
- Become irritable or angry
- Have difficulty separating from parents or carers
- Seek constant reassurance from adults
- Struggle to try new things
How Adults Can Help
One of the most important things adults can do is listen calmly and acknowledge a child's feelings. Rather than immediately trying to remove all worries, we can help children develop strategies to manage them.
Helpful approaches include:
- Encouraging open conversations about feelings
- Maintaining predictable routines
- Modelling calm problem-solving
- Celebrating effort rather than perfection
- Teaching relaxation and mindfulness strategies
- Supporting gradual exposure to challenging situations
When to Seek Additional Support
If anxiety is persistent, causes significant distress, or interferes with daily activities, it may be helpful to seek support. Your child's teacher, school welfare officeGP, or a qualified mental health professional can work with families to develop strategies and provide assistance.
Anxiety is common, and with understanding, support, and appropriate strategies, children can learn to navigate their worries and build confidence and resilience. Some helpful websites may be:
Anxiety in kids and teens | What is anxiety? | Kids Helpline
Anxiety in teens: what it is & how to help | Raising Children Network
Anxiety in children and childhood fears | Raising Children Network
Melissa McLeod
Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader