Anxiety is not an emotion experienced only by adults. Children can also feel anxious when faced with new experiences, changes in their routines, or uncertainty in everyday life. Especially during early childhood, children may not yet be able to fully express their emotions, so anxiety can appear in different ways. Some children may become more withdrawn, while others may seem more sensitive, restless, or irritable.

It is not possible to eliminate anxiety completely. However, children can learn healthy ways to cope with it.

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What Does Anxiety Look Like in Children?

Every child experiences anxiety differently. Children who feel anxious may show signs such as:

• Fear of separation
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Frequently seeking reassurance
• Hesitation in unfamiliar environments
• Physical complaints such as stomachaches or headaches
• Increased emotional sensitivity

Many of these behaviors can be a natural part of development. What matters is recognizing the child’s emotions and creating a safe space where they can express them openly.

Feeling Safe Is the Starting Point

When children feel safe, they are more open to new experiences, more comfortable expressing their emotions, and better able to cope with challenging situations. Rather than immediately trying to solve a child’s anxiety, it can often be more helpful to first understand what they are feeling. Instead of saying: “Don’t be sad.” or: “There’s nothing to be afraid of.” you might say:

• “You seem a little worried right now.”
• “This might have been difficult for you.”
• “We can talk about it together if you’d like.”

Statements like these help children feel that their emotions are acknowledged and accepted. As children become more comfortable expressing their feelings, they can gradually begin to develop their own coping skills.

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Consistent routines, secure relationships, quality sleep, and age-appropriate calming activities can strengthen children’s emotional resilience. Stories, audio content, and quiet moments spent together can also help children feel safe and supported. Every child experiences anxiety from time to time. What matters is helping them know that they do not have to navigate those feelings alone.

References

Chen, J. (2025). Common elements and challenges in the design and implementation of school-based interventions for preschoolers’ anxiety: A review.
https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2025.2562505

Maia, R., Santos, A. F., Veríssimo, M., Santos, A. J., & Guedes, M. (2024). Evidence-based interventions targeted at behavioral inhibition, shyness, and anxious withdrawal during the preschool years: A rapid review.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-05574-1

Fisak, B., Penna, A., Mian, N. D., Lamoli, L., Margaris, A., & Dela Cruz, S. A. M. F. (2023). The effectiveness of anxiety interventions for young children: A meta-analytic review.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-023-02596-y

Ooi, J., Dodd, H. F., Meiser-Stedman, R., Hudson, J. L., Bridges, J., & Pass, L. (2022). The efficacy of interventions for behaviourally inhibited preschool-aged children: A meta-analysis.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102559

Howes Vallis, E., Zwicker, A., Uher, R., & Pavlova, B. (2020). Cognitive-behavioural interventions for prevention and treatment of anxiety in young children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101904