Anxiety is the most common mental health challenge in children, affecting approximately 1 in 8 kids. While some worry is a normal part of growing up, anxiety becomes a concern when it consistently interferes with your child's ability to participate in everyday activities — going to school, sleeping, making friends, or trying new things.
Children experience anxiety differently than adults. Rather than articulating their worries, they may complain of stomachaches or headaches, become clingy or irritable, refuse to attend school, avoid social situations, or have difficulty sleeping. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward helping your child.
Childhood anxiety takes many forms. Generalized anxiety involves persistent, excessive worry about a wide range of topics. Social anxiety centers on fear of judgment or embarrassment in social situations. Separation anxiety involves distress when apart from caregivers. Specific phobias involve intense fear of particular objects or situations. And some children experience performance anxiety around tests, sports, or other evaluations.
Understanding which type of anxiety your child experiences helps guide the most effective treatment approach.
Parents play a crucial role in helping children develop coping skills. Rather than eliminating all sources of stress — which is impossible and counterproductive — the goal is to help children learn to manage their anxiety effectively.
Validate their feelings without reinforcing avoidance. When your child says they are scared, acknowledge that feeling while gently encouraging them to face their fear in small, manageable steps. Teach simple coping techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or grounding exercises. Model healthy coping in your own life — children learn more from what they see than what they are told.
If anxiety is significantly impacting your child's daily life — if they are missing school, losing friendships, or experiencing physical symptoms regularly — it may be time to seek professional support. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the gold standard treatment for childhood anxiety and has been shown to be highly effective.
At KPLA, our therapists specialize in evidence-based approaches for anxious children, helping them develop the tools and confidence they need to navigate challenges and embrace new experiences.
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Whether your child needs testing, counseling, or social skills support — our team of experienced team is here to help your family thrive.