Anxiety symptoms in kids may manifest as fear, worry, irritability, or anger. This arises when they feel stressed about things that seem scary or too much to handle, which makes them react physically and emotionally. While many kids express their anxiety outwardly, some keep their worries inside, which makes it challenging for adults to notice what they're going through.
The Anxiety in Children Symptoms Checklist is a tool that allows kids to identify and recognize early the signs that they may be experiencing anxiety. This checklist features a list of anxiety symptoms using a first-person point-of-view to make it more personal. A child may also write down two additional symptoms not found on the list that they experience when they feel anxious.
Using this worksheet, kids can take proactive steps to manage their anxiety, seek appropriate support, and develop coping skills that promote their overall well-being. To better understand and address the root causes of their emotional distress, parents and teachers can also encourage them to use the Anxiety Triggers Worksheet.
Kids who find it hard to express their emotions verbally can engage in art activities, such as drawing or finger painting after completing the worksheet. They can try to depict scenes or images that represent their emotions, such as swirling colors to express feelings of overwhelm or a safe place to evoke a sense of calmness.
Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of anxiety worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Edwards, S. L., Rapee, R. M., & Kennedy, S. (2010). Prediction of anxiety symptoms in preschool‐aged children: Examination of maternal and paternal perspectives. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 51(3), 313-321.
- Grover, R. L., Ginsburg, G. S., & Ialongo, N. (2005). Childhood predictors of anxiety symptoms: A longitudinal study. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 36(2), 133-153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-005-3491-3
- Marin, C. E., Rey, Y., Nichols-Lopez, K., & Silverman, W. K. (2008). The relations between anxiety sensitivity and anxiety control in the prediction of anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 36(4), 391-402. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1352465808004475
