Anxiety can show itself in children as repeated worries or fears about school, friends, or simple daily events. Tasks that seem normal, like meeting new people or trying something different, can feel overwhelming [*]. Supporting a child with anxiety involves learning their triggers and teaching coping skills, among other strategies.
Getting support early can make a real difference for your child as they become equipped with tools that will make life more manageable.
As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your child, but remember, anxiety can be managed. The right approach can help your child feel more secure. This guide will discuss ways to help them every step of the way.
Identifying Your Child’s Anxiety Triggers
Anxiety triggers are thoughts, experiences, or situations that make your child feel tense or scared. These triggers can vary for each child, such as speaking in front of others, being away from you, or facing a test in school.
Paying attention to when and where they feel most anxious can help you spot patterns.
Once you’ve identified these triggers, you can help your child prepare for them and practice ways to cope. It’s important to remember that these triggers won’t completely go away. Instead of trying to avoid them, the goal is to help your child face them in small, manageable ways.
Validating Their Feelings
Acknowledging that your child’s feelings feel real to them shows that their thoughts and experiences matter. When you take their emotions seriously, it helps them feel seen and heard. This is an important step in building trust and emotional safety.
You can help them reflect on their feelings by saying, “It sounds like you’re feeling nervous about trying something new,” or “I can see that you’re upset because that didn’t go the way you hoped.” Phrases like these show your child that you notice their emotions and are listening.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
The atmosphere at home matters a lot for a child with anxiety. A supportive environment includes simple routines, clear expectations, and predictable schedules, all of which help reduce uncertainty.
Conversations that spark hope and focus on solutions, rather than just problems, can also help. Maintaining open, non-judgmental communication lets your child know it’s okay to share their feelings.
Being a role model is another powerful tool. Children learn a lot by watching how the adults around them handle challenges. As you handle your own worries positively, they will learn that strong feelings can be managed in healthy ways.
Teaching Healthy Coping Skills
Healthy coping skills don’t make anxiety disappear, but they help children feel more in control. As a parent, it’s natural to want to fix your child’s problems right away.
But part of helping them build coping skills is letting them practice these strategies themselves. You can guide them, model the techniques, and even practice together [*].
Some examples include deep breathing exercises, which help the body slow down. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as focusing on the present moment or listening to soothing sounds, can also help.
Another useful skill is positive self-talk, where your child practices saying encouraging things to themselves, like “I can handle this” or “It’s okay to feel nervous.”
Encouraging Gradual Exposure
Helping your child face their fears in small, manageable steps is a powerful way to reduce anxiety over time. This is called gradual exposure. For example, if your child feels nervous about speaking in front of the class, you might start by practicing reading aloud at home and then sharing with a small group of family members.
It’s important to celebrate small wins along the way. For example, if they struggle with being away from you, recognize when they manage for a short time independently.
Every step your child takes, no matter how small, shows progress. Recognizing these achievements reinforces a sense of mastery.
Working with Schools and Teachers
Because anxiety can affect a child’s performance in school and even cause them to fall behind, teachers and parents must work together. A strong partnership between your family and your child’s teachers can make sure your child gets the support they need to succeed [*].
Keep an open line of communication with your child’s teacher. Share what situations may trigger anxiety and what helps your child manage it. For example, teachers can offer reassurance and allow short breaks when your child feels overwhelmed.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Help
If anxiety is starting to interfere with your child’s daily life, it may be time to seek professional help.
A pediatrician can assess what your child is going through and recommend a referral to a mental health professional if needed. This may include a child therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist who specializes in anxiety.
These professionals can provide therapy to help your child understand their feelings, learn coping skills, and gradually face their fears in a safe, supportive way. In some cases, they may discuss medication.
School counselors can also provide support during the school day and help coordinate with teachers to make necessary adjustments.
Anxiety Support Groups
Joining an anxiety support group can be a helpful way to connect with others who understand what your child is experiencing. Support groups can help your child feel less alone and give parents tips from others who have faced similar challenges.
Here are a few anxiety support groups to consider:
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Child Mind Institute – Offers group programs like the Emotion Detectives Group for children aged 8–12 and Social Anxiety Groups for ages 9–24.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Offers a peer-led Family Support Group designed for adults caring for a loved one with anxiety. The group provides a safe space to share experiences and receive helpful information.
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Parents Helping Parents – Offers free, confidential virtual support groups for parents. Each meeting usually includes 6–16 parents and takes place weekly via Zoom.
Resources
You’re not alone in supporting your child. Many organizations offer valuable resources to help you understand, manage, and support your child through anxiety. Here are some trusted resources that can guide you:
