Childhood Anxiety: When Worry Becomes a Problem

All children worry sometimes—about a test, a monster under the bed, or starting a new school year. But for some children, worry doesn't go away. It grows until it interferes with sleep, school, and fun.

Normal Worry vs. Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety becomes a disorder when it is:

• Out of proportion: Extreme fear over a minor event.
• Persistent: Lasting for weeks or months.
• Disruptive: Avoiding school, parties, or separating from parents.

Physical Signs of Anxiety

Children often don't have the words to say "I am anxious." Instead, their body speaks for them.

Helping Your Child Cope

Validate, don't dismiss. Instead of saying "Don't be scared," try "I know you are scared, but I am here and you are safe."

Clinical psychology interventions, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can teach children powerful tools to "talk back" to their worry brain.