Childhood Anxiety

What is it?

Childhood anxiety is more than everyday worry; it’s a persistent pattern of fear, nervousness, and avoidance that can affect school, friendships, sleep, and family life. If worries last for weeks, cause distress, or keep your child from activities they once enjoyed, it may be an anxiety disorder. Learn more on our page about childhood anxiety signs and support.

How it shows up

Physical clues: headaches, stomach‑aches, rapid heartbeat, trouble sleeping.
Behavioural clues: clinginess, school refusal, meltdowns before new events, perfectionism, or constant reassurance‑seeking.
Emotional clues: irritability, frequent “what‑ifs,” fear of making mistakes, or shutting down when stressed.

Why early help matters

Untreated anxiety can snowball into avoidance, low self‑esteem, or even depression in adolescence. Early support—such as age‑appropriate one‑on‑one therapy for kids 8‑10 or adolescents 11‑19—teaches coping tools before anxiety limits a child’s world.

What parents can do now

• Stay curious, not critical. Validate fears (“I see this is scary”) before problem‑solving.
• Model calm coping. Your own regulation helps your child’s nervous system settle.
• Use gradual exposure. Break feared tasks into small steps—an approach we teach in our Anxiety Skills for Kids (9–12) group.
• Avoid over‑accommodation. Well‑meant rescuing can keep anxiety stuck. Our SPACE parent coaching shows you supportive ways to respond.

Proven treatment options at FFEW

• CBT & play‑based therapy for children: practical tools to notice worry thoughts, face fears, and build confidence—see our Individual Therapy services.
• Parent‑only support via one‑on‑one coaching or the Parenting Your Anxious Child group.
• Family‑centred care: many families start with our Children with Anxiety program before adding individual sessions.

Meet clinicians who specialise in childhood anxiety

• Dr. Zia Lakdawalla: Child Psychologist, CBT & DBT expert, founder of FFEW.
• Dr. Lana Zinck: Experienced in SPACE, CBT, and learning challenges.
• Cassandra Harmsen: Integrates CBT and ACT for anxious kids and teens.
• Ola Obaro: Focus on school refusal, Circle of Security, and parent coaching.
• Jaydon Frid: Uses CBT, DBT, and family‑systems work for anxiety and self‑esteem.

FAQs — Childhood Anxiety

1. Is childhood anxiety just a phase?

Occasional worry is normal; persistent fear that limits daily life needs attention.

2. Can anxiety look like defiance?

Yes—avoidance can appear oppositional. See our article on Anxiety or Defiance.

3. Does my child need medication?

Most children improve with therapy and parent coaching first; medication is considered only if symptoms remain severe.

4. What if my child refuses therapy?

Start with a parent‑only route through SPACE coaching or our Emotionally Healthy Parenting group.

5. How soon will we see change?

Many families notice small wins—like fewer bedtime battles—within 6–8 sessions when parents and children both practise new skills.