Understanding Anxiety in Children

At some point, every child feels nervous, worried, or unsure—especially when facing new experiences like starting a new school year, trying something unfamiliar, or taking a test. But sometimes, those feelings grow stronger and start to affect everyday life. That’s when we might be talking about anxiety.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal and important emotion—it helps keep us safe. It’s like an internal alarm system that warns us of danger. But in some children, that alarm goes off too often, even when there’s no real threat.

Around 1 in 7 children experience anxiety that’s strong enough to impact how they feel, think, and behave?

Anxiety, Stress or Worry—What’s the Difference?

• Worry tends to be specific and short-term (e.g., “What if I forget my lines in the play?”)

• Stress usually comes from a particular situation or pressure (e.g., lots of homework due at once).

• Anxiety sticks around. It’s often a bigger, ongoing feeling that can show up in physical ways (tummy aches, headaches, trouble sleeping) and affect behaviour (avoiding school, becoming withdrawn, or getting upset easily).

How Parents Can Help

If your child is showing signs of anxiety, there are gentle and effective ways you can support them:

• Acknowledge their feelings: Let them know it's okay to feel worried sometimes and that you're there to help.
• Keep routines steady: Predictable daily patterns can create a sense of security.
• Help them name their feelings: Giving a feeling a name—like "worry" or "nervous"—can take away some of its power.
• Teach calm breathing: Try "bubble breathing"—breathe in slowly through the nose, then out like you’re blowing a bubble.
• Model calmness: Children often take cues from how we manage our own stress or worries.

Meet Karen Young – Hey Sigmund

One fantastic resource for parents is Karen Young, a former psychologist and founder of the website Hey Sigmund (www.heysigmund.com). Karen writes with warmth, clarity, and science-backed insight about children’s emotions, especially anxiety.

Why visit Hey Sigmund?
• It explains anxiety in ways that make sense to both children and adults.
• It offers practical, easy-to-use strategies you can try at home.
• It helps you feel less alone and more empowered as a parent.

We encourage you to visit www.heysigmund.com and explore the "Anxiety in Children" section for articles, tips, and free resources.

Parent Information Evening with Karen Young

We have engaged with Karen Young, who will be work with staff during our next Professional Learning Day on August 11th.

Karen will also present to parents at 6:30 - 8pm on Monday August 11th.

Please save this date.  More information regarding this In Person Parent Information Session will be sent out closer to the date.

If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or our school wellbeing team.

Paul Anderson

Student Wellbeing Leader