Detecting Childhood Anxiety Early:
5 Signs for Parents
Here at The Family Center in Ellicott City, we know that raising kids in today's world can be both rewarding and challenging. One concern that has been coming up a lot is childhood anxiety. Anxiety in kids is more common than most people think, and catching it early can make a big difference.
So, how can you tell if your child might need a little extra support? What resources are available to help them cope in school, both socially and academically? We cover five signs of childhood anxiety and share how you, as parents, can spot them early and seek help if needed.
Remember, you don’t need to do it alone, there are resources to help your family along.
Why Early Detection Matters - The Importance of Childhood Assessments
When kids feel anxious, they may not always say, "Hey, Mom or Dad, I’m feeling anxious." Instead, anxiety in kids might show up in ways that aren't as easy to see. By knowing what to look for, you can help your child understand their feelings, learn ways to cope, and even enjoy their school and family life more.
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Our team at The Family Center is here to support you and your child every step of the way. We specialize in childhood assessments, child anxiety assessments, and providing school assistance for families. Together, we can make sure your child has the tools they need to succeed.
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If you’re worried about anxiety in kids and what anxiety looks like for kids, here are 5 signs you can watch out for.
1. Kids With Anxiety Will Worry About Everyday Things
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Does your child often ask the same questions over and over, like, "What if I mess up on my test?" or "What if nobody wants to sit with me at lunch?" Worrying about things like school, friends, or family is natural for kids. But if your child is constantly worrying about little things that seem normal to others, it could be a sign of anxiety in kids.
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Try to pay attention to the frequency of these questions and how these concerns seem to affect your child – anxiety in kids looks like being shy, withdrawn, irritable, or prone to crying.
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A child anxiety assessment at The Family Center can help you and your child understand where these worries are coming from and how to address them. A child counselor may be able to help your child develop ways to manage these thoughts and feelings.
2. Anxiety in Kids Looks Like Avoiding Activities They Used to Enjoy
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One big sign of anxiety in kids is if your child suddenly loses interest in things they once loved, like playing sports, going to school events, or spending time with friends. Anxiety can make even fun activities feel overwhelming, so your child might say they "just don’t feel like it" or come up with reasons to stay home.
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As with most signs of anxiety in kids, you want to pay attention to the frequency of these instances and how your child acts when they bring it up. Is there something else they are excited about instead? Anxiety in kids looks like frequent stomach aches, headaches, and negative thoughts about the activities.
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We know school can be a source of stress for many kids, especially as they move from elementary to middle school. Our child assessment program includes ways to address school-related anxiety, which can help your child feel more comfortable with schoolwork, social activities, and other commitments.
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3. Childhood Anxiety Includes Physical Complaints with No Clear Cause
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When kids feel anxious, their bodies often respond with physical symptoms. They might complain of stomachaches, headaches, or feeling “sick,” especially before certain events like school, sports, or social gatherings. Sometimes, they might even feel dizzy or have a racing heart, which can be scary for them.
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These physical symptoms are real for your child, even if there’s no obvious medical reason for them. If you’ve ruled out common medical causes, your child may have childhood anxiety occurring as physical illness that is prompting them to withdraw, eat differently, or even change their sleeping patterns.
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Child anxiety assessments at The Family Center include talking about these symptoms and helping kids understand that these feelings are connected to their emotions, not an actual illness.
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4. Difficulty Sleeping is a Common Sign of Child Anxiety
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Kids with anxiety often struggle to sleep, even when they’re very tired. They might lie awake for hours, have bad dreams, or wake up multiple times at night. This can happen because their worries keep their minds too active to settle down. Over time, lack of sleep can make anxiety in kids worse and impact how they perform in school or handle social situations.
At The Family Center, our child counselors in Ellicott City can offer tips and techniques to help kids wind down and get better rest. This may include teaching relaxation exercises, creating a calming bedtime routine, or talking through any nighttime fears that might be keeping them up. Childhood anxiety can be managed, even in the most severe cases.
5. Look for Anxiety in Kids as Acting Out or Being Extra Clingy
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When kids feel anxious, they might not always be able to say what’s bothering them. Instead, child anxiety might cause them to act out with tantrums, be extra irritable, or suddenly seem more attached to you than usual. Maybe they don’t want to go to school, or they insist on having you stay close by at all times.
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This clingy behavior is often their way of seeking comfort and security when managing childhood anxiety. Our child anxiety assessment process can help you understand what’s causing this clinginess and help your child feel safe and secure, even when you’re not by their side.
What to Do if You See Signs of Child Anxiety
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If you notice any of these signs of childhood anxiety in your child, don’t worry! Remember, anxiety is common, and with the right support, it’s manageable. Our team at The Family Center is here to help through child anxiety assessments, counseling, and school assistance programs tailored to meet your child’s unique needs. We’ll work with you and your child to create a plan to help them build confidence, manage stress, and succeed at school and beyond.
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At The Family Center in Ellicott City, we understand that noticing signs of anxiety in your child can be overwhelming. But remember, you’re not alone! Many families experience similar concerns, and we’re here to support you with child counseling, child anxiety assessments, and school assistance programs tailored to your child’s needs.
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By catching these signs early, you’re giving your child the best chance to grow, learn, and enjoy life to the fullest. We’re here every step of the way to make sure your child has a safe space to work through their feelings and build the skills they need to thrive. Let’s work together to help your child feel their very best!
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FAQ: Answering Your Top Questions About Childhood Anxiety
How do I know if my child’s anxiety needs professional help?
If your child’s worries are stopping them from enjoying school, hobbies, or time with friends, it may be helpful to seek a child anxiety assessment. Our team at The Family Center can assess your child’s specific needs and offer guidance.
Can childhood anxiety be treated?
Yes! Through counseling, skill-building exercises, and sometimes even family therapy, kids can learn effective strategies to manage their anxiety. At The Family Center, we specialize in child counseling and school assistance to help kids work through their fears.
How does a child anxiety assessment work?
During a child anxiety assessment, our child counselors meet with both you and your child to discuss any concerns. We may use games, activities, or simple questions to help understand what your child is feeling. From there, we create a plan to address their anxiety in a way that feels supportive and safe.
Will my child grow out of their anxiety?
Some children do outgrow certain worries, but ongoing anxiety might not go away on its own. With the right support and techniques, however, children can learn to manage their anxiety in a way that lets them enjoy life and feel more at ease. It’s important to find out what is causing their anxiety to treat the root source.
Can anxiety affect my child’s school performance?
Yes, anxiety can make it harder for kids to concentrate, complete assignments, or participate in class. Our school assistance program is designed to support kids facing these challenges so that school feels less overwhelming. With parental permission, we partner with schools and teachers for a well-rounded treatment plan.
How can I support my child at home?
You can support your child by listening to their concerns, helping them practice relaxation techniques, and encouraging them to talk about their feelings. We’re here to offer more personalized advice to help you help your child feel confident.