Anxiety in Children: Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore

As parents, we naturally want to protect our children from harm, hurt, or anything that disrupts their peace- that is our job, right?! But what happens when the source of their distress is invisible? Anxiety in children often goes unnoticed or is mistaken for behavioral issues, shyness, or even disobedience (and if we are being honest drives us up a wall at times). At New Pathways Counseling, we believe in walking alongside families to uncover these hidden struggles and offer compassionate, research-informed care grounded in both psychological wisdom and faith.

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Understanding Anxiety in Children

Anxiety is more than just worry. It can show up in the body, thoughts, and behaviors of children in subtle or surprising ways. While occasional fear is a normal part of development, persistent or overwhelming anxiety may signal a deeper concern (when daily living is being impacted – this is when our red flags should be going up). Children may not always have the language to express what they’re feeling, but their bodies and behaviors often speak for them.

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Common Signs of Anxiety in Children

Here are some signs parents shouldn’t ignore:

• Frequent physical complaints such as stomachaches, headaches, or nausea with no medical explanation.

• Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, or fear of being alone at night.

• Avoidance behaviors, like refusing to go to school, participate in activities, or be separated from a parent.

• Excessive reassurance seeking, such as repeatedly asking if everything is okay or if a parent is safe.

• Irritability or emotional outbursts, which can sometimes be misread as defiance.

• Perfectionism or extreme fear of making mistakes.

• Withdrawal from social interactions or activities they once enjoyed.

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Our Therapeutic Approach at New Pathways

At New Pathways Counseling, we draw from a variety of evidence-based therapies tailored to each child’s unique needs:

• Play Therapy allows children to process their feelings in a language they understand: play. Through guided therapeutic play, children can express complex emotions and begin healing. At New Pathways, we incorporate art therapy, sand tray, and various games to help build a therapeutic alliance with younger clients.

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps children identify anxious thoughts and replace them with more balanced, calming truths. This method is especially effective in helping children develop coping strategies that last.

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be transformative for children with trauma-related anxiety (Learn what EMDR is here, and learn how it can be incorporated with children here). By targeting distressing memories and reprocessing them safely, EMDR helps reduce the intensity of anxiety rooted in past experiences.

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When to Seek Help

If your child’s anxiety is interfering with daily life, relationships, or development, it may be time to seek professional support. Early intervention can make a profound difference (I always say fix the issue while it is a paper cut, not an infection). At New Pathways, we partner with families to build resilience, restore peace, and walk the path of healing together.

As followers of Christ, we believe each child is fearfully and wonderfully made. Anxiety does not define your child, and healing is possible. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of clinical excellence and Spirit-led care working together. Living through tough mental health seasons, raising children, and being honest and vulnerable about life’s struggles isn’t easy. At New Pathways, we bring encouragement and hope to remind children and families that they are never alone in their struggles. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us today to learn how we can support your child and your family. Have questions and need them answered? Let’s chat!

Addison