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.\n\nEspecially 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 Some children may become more withdrawn, while others may seem more sensitive, restless, or irritable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is not possible to eliminate anxiety completely. However, children can learn healthy ways to cope with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every child experiences anxiety differently. Children who feel anxious may show signs such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of these behaviors can be a natural part of development. What matters is recognizing the child\u2019s emotions and creating a safe space where they can express them openly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When children feel safe, they are more open to new experiences, more comfortable expressing their emotions, and better able to cope with challenging situations.\n\nRather than immediately trying to solve a child\u2019s anxiety, it can often be more helpful to first understand what they are feeling.\n\nInstead of saying:\n\n\u201cDon\u2019t be sad.\u201d\n\nor:\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to be afraid of.\u201d\n\nyou might say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Statements like these help children feel that their emotions are acknowledged and accepted.\n\nAs children become more comfortable expressing their feelings, they can gradually begin to develop their own coping skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chen, J. (2025). Common elements and challenges in the design and implementation of school-based interventions for preschoolers\u2019 anxiety: A review. Maia, R., Santos, A. F., Ver\u00edssimo, 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. 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. 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.
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https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10826-023-02596-y<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.janxdis.2022.102559<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n