Spotting Anxiety in Children: A Parent's Guide
Anxiety in children doesn't always look like worry. Here are the signs to watch for.
Anxiety in children rarely announces itself as 'I'm feeling anxious.' Instead, it shows up in behaviour: the child who suddenly refuses to go to school, the tummy aches that appear every morning, the meltdowns that seem out of proportion, the child who becomes clingy or withdrawn.
These signs can be confusing because they often look like naughtiness or stubbornness. But behaviour is communication. When a child is anxious, their nervous system is in overdrive — and that energy has to go somewhere.
If you notice these patterns, the first step is to create safety. Don't dismiss the feeling ('There's nothing to worry about') — instead, name it: 'I can see something is worrying you. I'm here.' If anxiety is significantly affecting your child's daily life — school, friendships, sleep, eating — talk to your GP. Early support makes an enormous difference.
Larry Says
"Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. You've got this — and so does your child."
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