Is My Child Too Anxious? Early Signs Parents Shouldn't Ignore
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Child anxiety is more common that ever - and often misunderstood. Many children who are anxious don't appear "fearful." Instead, anxiety often shows up as:
- Meltdowns
- Anger
- Avoidance
- Clinginess
- Physical symptoms
As play therapists, we watch anxiety deeply affect children's sleep, learning, behavior, and social interactions. Early intervention makes tremendous difference.
Here are signs your child may be dealing with more anxiety than their nervous system can handle.
1. Constant Worry or "What If..." Questions
Kids may fixate on:
- Safety
- Being alone
- School
- Mistakes
- Performance
- The dark
- Getting in trouble
2. Physical Complaints
Anxiety livesin the body.
Common symptoms include:
- Stomachaches
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Fast heartbeat
- Trouble sleeping
If medical causes are ruled out, the root could be emotional.
3. Avoidance of School or Activities
Avoidance is one of the biggest red flags.
- This looks like:
- Not wanting to attend school
- Withdrawing from sports
- Refusing to go to birthday parties
- Fearing new situations
4. Sensory Sensitivities
Anxiety often makes children less tolerant of:
- Noise
- Clothing textures
- Crowds
- Bright lights
- Transitions
5. Perfectionism
Children may:
- Melt down if things aren't "just right"
- Repeat tasks
- Avoid work they fear they'll fail at
- Cry over small mistakes
6. Irritability or Outbursts
An anxious child might look angry-not scared.
This can include:
- Yelling
- Aggression
- Emotional flooding
- Hypervigilance
7. Need for Excessive Reassurance
Common phrases you might hear:
- "Are you sure?"
- "Will you stay with me?"
- "Will everything be okay?"
8. Difficulty Calming Down
When dysregulated, anxious children often take longer to recover.
Why Early Support Matters
Untreated childhood anxiety can lead to:
- Withdrawal
- Academic struggles
- Low confidence
- Sleep problems
- Depression later in life
The good news: children respond incredibly well to therapy-especially play therapy, EMDR, and somatic approaches.
How We Help at Illuminate Play Therapy & Counseling
We support children by:
- Teaching regulation skills
- Processing underlying fears
- Resolving stored trauma
- Strengthening emotional resilience
- Helping parents understand triggers
- Building mind-body calm
- Incorporating faith and hope when desired
You do not have to navigate this alone.
If you see signs of anxiety in your child, we're here to help. Reach out today to start a conversation by texting 970.316.5009 or Book Here
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