Every child worries sometimes. That’s normal. But when worry or fear shows up often—or feels so big that it gets in the way of daily life—children need extra support.

The good news is that anxiety is very treatable. With the right support, most children learn how to manage their worries and grow in confidence.

You might notice your child:

• worrying much of the time, even without a clear reason
• avoiding school, activities, or new situations
• complaining of stomachaches or trouble sleeping
• seeming tense, irritable, or easily overwhelmed

Anxiety is your child’s internal alarm system trying to protect them. When it goes off too often, children may react with “fight,” “flight,” or “freeze”—but with support, they can learn to calm that alarm and handle what feels scary.

Below, you’ll find guidance to help your child understand their anxiety, build confidence, and learn practical tools to manage worry.

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Don't miss Dr. Laura's mini-course Helping Your Child with Anxiety, which gives you two audios and three printables that guide you through the steps to teach your child (and yourself!) how to manage anxiety.