All children worry sometimes. It’s natural for a child to feel nervous about the first day of school, trying out a new activity, or meeting new friends. But when worry becomes constant, overwhelming, or begins to interfere with daily life, it may be a sign of anxiety. For children under 10, anxiety can look very different than it does in teens or adults.

Recognizing the signs early helps parents provide the right support, so their child can build resilience and confidence rather than feeling trapped by fear.

What Childhood Anxiety Looks Like

Children often don’t have the words to say “I feel anxious.” Instead, anxiety shows up in their behavior and their bodies. Common signs include:

• Frequent stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause.

• Clinging to parents or refusing to separate at school or daycare.

• Tantrums or meltdowns when faced with new situations.

• Avoidance of specific activities (sleepovers, school, playground).

• Sleep problems such as nightmares or difficulty falling asleep.

• Excessive reassurance-seeking: repeatedly asking, “Will you be there?” or “What if something happens?”

• Perfectionism: erasing homework over and over, or becoming upset at small mistakes.

Types of Anxiety in Young Children

Not all anxiety looks the same. Some common forms in children under 10 include:

• Separation Anxiety – intense fear of being apart from caregivers.

• Social Anxiety – fear of embarrassment in front of others, even in small groups.

• Generalized Anxiety – constant worry about everyday things, such as school, safety, or health.

• Specific Phobias – overwhelming fear of particular objects or situations (dogs, the dark, thunderstorms).

Why Anxiety Happens

Anxiety in children can stem from multiple factors:

• Temperament – some children are naturally more sensitive or cautious.

• Life events – moving, divorce, or loss can trigger heightened anxiety.

• Genetics – anxiety often runs in families.

• Environment – high stress at home or school may intensify worries.

Importantly, anxiety is not the child’s fault. It is a normal biological response gone into overdrive.

A Real-Life Example

Ella, a 7-year-old, loved school until she suddenly began refusing to go. Each morning, she complained of stomachaches and cried at drop-off. Her parents initially thought she was being dramatic, but when the pattern persisted for weeks, they realized it was anxiety.

With gentle support, reassurance, and eventually counseling, Ella learned coping skills. Her parents also worked with her teachers to ease transitions. Over time, school became enjoyable again.

How Parents Can Help Calm Worries

1. Listen and Validate
Instead of saying “Don’t worry,” try “I can see this feels really big for you.” Validation helps children feel understood.

2. Teach Simple Calming Techniques
Practice deep belly breathing, counting slowly to 10, or using grounding techniques (naming things they see, hear, and feel).

3. Model Calmness
Children learn from example. Show them how you cope with stress in healthy ways.

4. Create Predictability
Routines provide security. Consistent bedtime, morning rituals, and clear expectations reduce anxiety triggers.

5. Encourage Brave Steps
Avoiding fears makes them stronger. Help your child face worries in small, supported steps. Celebrate progress, no matter how small.

When to Seek Professional Help

It may be time to consult a professional if your child’s anxiety:

• Interferes with school attendance or friendships.

• Causes frequent physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches.

• Leads to extreme tantrums or meltdowns over minor issues.

• Persists for months and does not improve with reassurance.

Child therapists use approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help kids learn coping skills. In some cases, family therapy or medication may also be recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Isn’t some worry normal in children?
Yes. But persistent, overwhelming worry that interferes with daily life may indicate anxiety.

Will my child grow out of anxiety?
Some children do, but untreated anxiety can continue into adolescence and adulthood. Early support is best.

Does anxiety mean my child isn’t resilient?
Not at all. With the right support, anxious children can become some of the most compassionate, resilient adults.

A Path Forward

Anxiety in children under 10 can be difficult to spot because it often hides behind stomachaches, tears, or refusal to try new things. But recognizing the signs and offering support early makes a world of difference.

At Reshaping Pathways, we specialize in helping families understand childhood anxiety and giving children the tools to build calm, confidence, and resilience.

📅 Schedule Your Evaluation Today
Take the first step toward reshaping your child’s pathway to calm, confidence, and a brighter tomorrow.

About Reshaping Pathways

Reshaping Pathways is dedicated to guiding individuals and families through the challenges of mental health with expertise, compassion, and evidence-based care. Our focus includes anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, BPD, autism, and defiance behavior.

This blog extends that mission by sharing insights from experienced providers, practical strategies for daily living, and stories of resilience to remind every reader that change and healing are possible. Reshaping Pathways exists to be both a trusted authority and a supportive companion on the journey toward wellness.