How to Spot Signs of Anxiety in Children
Children may feel anxious from time to time, but when worry starts to interfere with their daily life, it is important to act. By learning to recognise early signs and symptoms of anxiety in children, parents, carers, and professionals can offer timely support before these feelings grow stronger.
What Are Early Warning Signs That May Indicate Childhood Anxiety?
In school-aged children, anxiety may show up as changes in behaviour—such as becoming extra clingy, refusing to go to school, or seeming more irritable than usual. Physical symptoms can also appear, like headaches, stomach aches, or trouble sleeping. If you want to learn more about how school can affect children with anxiety, visit anxiety at school for more guidance and ideas. While school-aged children may show more outward behavioural changes, anxiety can look quite different in younger kids.
Common signs of anxiety in children can include:
- Excessive worries or fears about everyday situations, events, or future possibilities.
- Difficulty concentrating or appearing restless.
- Irritability or mood swings that seem out of character.
- Frequent headaches, stomach aches, or other physical complaints without a clear medical cause.
- Trouble sleeping (e.g., difficulty falling asleep, frequent nightmares).
- Changes in appetite (eating noticeably more or less).
- Clinginess or refusing to separate from parents or caregivers.
- Avoidance of social interactions or activities they previously enjoyed.
- Constant need for reassurance (e.g., repeatedly asking, “Will everything be okay?”).
- Unexplained tearfulness or intense emotional outbursts.
How Does Anxiety Present in Young Children?
Younger children often find it difficult to explain their feelings, so anxiety might look like restlessness, tearfulness, or refusing to join normal activities. Separation anxiety is common when children feel distressed about being away from parents or caregivers. Social anxiety disorder can also surface if they are overly shy or fearful in social settings. It is important to talk with your child regularly, so they feel safe sharing worries and can learn to understand their emotions.
How Do You Address Anxiety in Young Children?
Early support is key for children with anxiety. Speak with a mental health professional who may suggest therapy (such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT) to teach practical coping skills. It is also helpful to maintain consistent routines and encourage open discussions about feelings. For more ideas on handling fear related to school, visit managing school anxiety strategies. Simple steps—like creating a calm bedtime routine or using relaxation exercises—can help school-aged children handle day-to-day stress more easily.
Expert Training to Support Children with Anxiety
Compass Seminars Australia’s childhood anxiety and depression training can give you the tools to recognise and manage childhood anxiety. While it is normal for children to feel worried sometimes, about one in five experience anxiety so intense that it disrupts family life, friendships, and learning. Thankfully, anxiety is manageable when it is addressed in the right way. This workshop is open to mental health professionals, teachers, counsellors, and anyone who applies developmental or behavioural science in their work. Parents and carers are also welcome. Gaining these skills will help you empower children to face challenges with courage, strengthen their resilience, and improve their overall well-being.
By watching out for early signs of anxiety, encouraging open dialogue, and seeking help when needed, you can make a real difference in a child’s life.