The Anxious Child

Facts for Families

All children have worries.  Anxiety in children is expected and normal at certain times in their life. 

From about 8 months through the preschool years, healthy children may show intense stress when they are away from their parents or other persons with whom they are close.  Young children also have short-term fears such as fear of the dark, storms, animals, or a fear of strangers. 

Anxious children are often more tense.  Some may seek a lot of comfort. Their worries may get in the way of activities. Parents should not dismiss a child’s fear. 

Children who are anxious may also be quiet and eager to please. You may not notice their anxiety. Parents should be alert to the signs of severe anxiety. You can step in early and prevent problems. 

There are different types of anxiety in children.

Symptoms of separation anxiety include:

• constant thoughts and intense fears about the safety of parents and caretakers

• refusing to go to school

• frequent stomach aches and other physical complaints

• intense worries about sleeping away from home

• being overly clingy

• panic or tantrums when parents are leaving

• trouble sleeping or nightmares

Symptoms of phobia include:

• extreme fear about a certain thing or situation (for example dogs, insects, or needles)

• their fears cause great distress and get in the way of common activities

Symptoms of social anxiety include:

• fears of meeting or talking to people

• trying to stay out of social situations

• few friends outside the family

Other symptoms of anxious children include:

• lots of worries about things before they happen

• constant worries or concerns about family, school, friends, or activities

• repeated, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or actions (compulsions)

• fears of being embarrassed or making mistakes

Ask your health care provider if you have concerns. 

Adapted from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry