Anxiety in Childhood

We all experience fear - it’s an emotion necessary for survival. In certain amounts, fear is a healthy response. Some fears can be expected in children based on their age and/or their developmental stage, such as:

• when infants are scared of new people, separation from their parent/caregiver, loud noises, and animals;

• when toddlers are weary of new people, and become distressed upon separation from their parent/caregiver, when they hear loud noises, see bugs or animals, or are afraid of the dark;

• when early elementary children are scared of imaginary things like monsters and ghosts, are afraid of the dark and shadows, and bugs or animals;

• when upper elementary children become afraid of social rejection, natural disasters, global events, and/or death, and

• when pre-teens and teens begin fearing social rejection, missing out, and school performance and presentations.

These expected concerns are common and are not alarming. Most children can cope with common fears and worries with gentle support from their parents/caregivers.

Less Obvious Signs

Not all children talk about their worries or fears, though, so it’s not always obvious when children have fears or worries. Their language skills are still under development, making it challenging for them to describe what’s happening. They also may worry that they’ll be dismissed or made fun of if they share their fears.

Less obvious signs that children are struggling with worries or fears include:

• tummy aches

• headaches

• sleep struggles and fatigue

• irritability

• emotional dysregualtion

• avoidance of things that are fear-provoking to the child

• a tendency to avoid attracting attention to themselves and/or asserting their needs

• people-pleasing tendencies that are unfair to themselves

• panic episodes/attacks

How Can Parents Tell When It's Anxiety?

There are 2 primary indicators that a child’s fears could be a part of an anxiety disorder.

1. Persistence Over Time: If your child does not outgrow the common fears expected for their age and/or stage of development (listed above); or
   

2. Intensity and Impact of Fears: If your child’s fears interfere with normal parts of life, like school attendance, health and hygiene routines, family functioning, or recreational play activities.

Professional Supports

Early identification is key to helping children overcome their fears, and prevent their worries from worsening over time. If you notice any of these indicators, it could be an anxiety disorder. Connect with your family doctor and/or a mental health professional.

Anxiety is known to be a treatable condition with the right supports. Children can benefit from counselling/therapy, from a licensed or registered mental health professional.

Parents can learn about childhood anxiety, along with strategies to support their children. When can optimize their children’s support by being informed, supportive, and engaged in therapeutic practice. Parents can attend counselling to learn about childhood anxiety and strategies to support their children.

If you'd like to inquire about therapy services for yourself or your child, feel free to send an email to admin@everbloomcenter.ca.

Check back soon for details about an upcoming pre-recorded, self-paced, online course for parents who want to support their children with fears, worries and anxiety!

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Authored by

Katherine White, BSW, MEd, MSW, RSW

Child & Parent Therapist

katherine@everbloomcenter.ca

Sources

Anxiety Canada

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Center for Disease Control