Worry and anxiety in children are common. Kids can worry about school, friends, family, health, new situations, or things that may happen in the future.
Some worry can be helpful. For example, worry about a test may remind a child to study. However, worry can become hard when it feels too big or does not go away.
Children need to know that having worries does not mean something is wrong with them. They can learn ways to calm their minds, understand their feelings, and ask for help.
What Do Children Worry About?
Children can worry about many things.
They may worry about a test at school. They may wonder if their friends like them. A new teacher, new school, or new activity may feel scary.
Kids may also worry about their family. They may be afraid that someone they love will get sick. In addition, they may worry about things they hear adults talking about.
Even a worry that seems small to an adult can feel very big to a child.
That is why listening matters.
How Anxiety Can Feel
Anxiety does not only affect thoughts. Kids may feel it in their bodies too.
A child may have a stomachache or headache. Their heart may beat faster. They may feel shaky or restless. Some children have trouble sleeping.
Others may become quiet, angry, upset, or clingy.
Sometimes a child does not know how to explain what is happening. They may simply say, “I don’t feel good.”
Help Children Talk About Worry
Talking can make a big worry feel smaller.
Ask your child what is bothering them. Then, give them time to answer.
Try not to dismiss the worry. Instead, listen and let your child know that their feelings matter.
You might say:
“Tell me what you’re worried about.”
“I’m here with you.”
“We can figure this out together.”
A calm response can help a child feel safe.
Simple Calming Tools for Kids
Children can learn simple ways to manage anxious feelings.
Start with slow breathing. Have your child take a few gentle breaths.
Counting can also help. Try counting slowly from one to ten.
Other calming activities may include drawing, reading, listening to music, hugging a stuffed animal, drinking water, or taking a walk.
Most importantly, help your child discover what works best for them.
Focus on What They Can Control
Worry often focuses on things that have not happened yet.
Help your child bring their attention back to today.
Ask, “What can we do right now?”
Maybe they can study for tomorrow’s test. Perhaps they can talk to their teacher. They may be able to practice something that feels new or scary.
Small steps can make a big problem feel easier to handle.
When Worry Becomes Too Much
Sometimes anxiety begins to affect everyday life.
A child may avoid school, friends, activities, or new experiences. They may have frequent stomachaches or headaches. Sleep may also become difficult.
If worry continues or begins to interfere with daily life, talk with your child’s doctor, school counselor, or a mental health professional.
Early support can make a difference.
Remind Children They Are Not Alone
Children need to hear that it is okay to have big feelings.
They also need to know they can ask for help.
Teach your child to identify trusted adults. This may include parents, grandparents, teachers, counselors, coaches, or other safe adults.
Most of all, remind them:
You are not your worries.
Can learn ways to feel better.
Can talk about what is bothering you.
You are never alone with a big feeling.
LCH-Spark: Helping Kids Understand Big Feelings
LCH-Spark helps children learn about emotions in a simple and supportive way.
Through child-friendly mental wellness tools and educational resources, children can learn how to recognize feelings, cope with worry, build confidence, practice kindness, and ask trusted adults for help.
Our goal is simple: give children tools they can understand and use.
Because learning how to manage big feelings when children are young can help them build emotional strength for the future.
Be Kind. Be Brave. & Be You.
