Just like adults, children and young people feel worried and anxious at times.

But if your child’s anxiety is starting to affect their wellbeing, they may need some help.

What makes child anxious?

Children can feel anxious about different things at different ages. Many of these worries are a normal part of growing up.

From the age of around 6 months to 3 years it’s very common for young children to have separation anxiety. They may become clingy and cry when separated from their parents or carers. This is a normal stage in a child’s development and should stop at around age 2 to 3.

It’s also common for preschool-age children to develop specific fears or phobias. Common fears in early childhood include animals, insects, storms, heights, water, blood, and the dark. These fears usually go away gradually on their own.

There may also be other times in a child’s life when they feel anxious. For example, many children feel anxious when going to a new school or before tests and exams. Some children feel shy in social situations and may need support with this.

When is anxiety a problem for children?

Anxiety becomes a problem for children when it starts to get in the way of their everyday life.

If you go into any school at exam time, all the children will be anxious, but some may be so anxious that they don’t manage to get to school that morning.

Severe anxiety like this can harm children’s mental and emotional wellbeing, affecting their self-esteem and confidence. They may become withdrawn and go to great lengths to avoid things or situations that make them feel anxious.

What are the signs of anxiety in children?
When young children feel anxious, they cannot always understand or express what they are feeling. You may notice that they:

1. Become irritable, tearful or clingy
2. Have difficulty sleeping
3. Wake in the night
4. Start wetting the bed
5. Have bad dreams
6. In older children you may notice that they:
7. Lack confidence to try new things or seem unable to face simple, everyday challenges
8. Find it hard to concentrate
9. Have problems with sleeping or eating
10. Have angry outbursts
11. Have a lot of negative thoughts, or keep thinking that bad things are going to happen
12. Start avoiding everyday activities, such as seeing friends, going out in public or going to school

How to help an anxious child?

Highlights of advise from experts….

1. It is very important to talk talk and talk…to your child about their anxiety or worries.
   Reassure them and show them you understand how they feel and always there with them.
2. Try to help them and suggest how important it is to find solutions.
3. If your child is old enough, it may help to explain what anxiety is and the physical effects it has on our bodies.
4. Recognise their anxiety by spending some time with them and making yourself available whenever they need .

Other ways to ease anxiety in children

1. Teach your child to recognise signs of anxiety
2. Encourage them to manage their anxiety and ask for help when they need it
3. Children of all ages find routines reassuring, so try to stick to regular daily routines where possible
4. Try not to become overprotective or anxious yourself
5. Practice simple relaxation techniques with your child, such as taking 3 deep, slow breaths, breathing in for a count of 3 and out for 3.
6. Distraction can be helpful for young children.

When should we get help?

If your child’s anxiety is severe, persists, and interferes with their everyday life, it’s a good idea to get some help.