Parenting a Child with Anxiety: When to Seek Support

Oct 3

Every child worries sometimes. But when those worries start to shape your child’s mood, sleep, school performance, or relationships, anxiety can become more than just a passing phase—it becomes a weight they carry every day.

As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to watch. You may find yourself asking:

Is this something they’ll outgrow?
Should I push them, or protect them?
What if I’m making it worse by not handling it “right”?

The truth is: you’re doing your best. And the fact that you’re noticing and caring this deeply already makes a difference. But sometimes, noticing isn’t enough—sometimes your child needs support that goes deeper.

What Anxiety Can Look Like in Children

Children don’t always say “I’m anxious.” They show it.

You might notice:

Physical complaints (stomach aches, headaches, nausea)
Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
Irritability or quick-to-cry reactions
Avoiding school, social events, or new situations
Constant reassurance-seeking or “what if” questions
Meltdowns that seem out of proportion
Clinginess, separation anxiety, or refusal to be alone

You might also notice how it’s affecting you. Parenting a child with anxiety can leave you feeling drained, worried, or unsure of your next move. And if you’ve experienced anxiety yourself (especially in the perinatal or postpartum period), it may bring up your own history too—we explore that more in our post on therapy for perinatal anxiety.

When to Seek Therapy for Your Child’s Anxiety

It’s time to consider therapy if:

Your child’s anxiety is impacting their day-to-day life (e.g., school refusal, social isolation, sleep disruption)
Family life is becoming strained by constant meltdowns or tension
You’re feeling lost about how to help—or afraid to “do it wrong”
They’re stuck in a loop—despite reassurance or strategies at home

Early support can prevent anxiety from becoming more entrenched over time. The goal isn’t to eliminate all worry—but to help your child feel more equipped and empowered.

Actionable Tips for Parents: 3 Ways to Support Your Anxious Child

1. Name the feeling, gently

You might say: “It looks like your body is telling you something feels scary. I wonder if this is one of those anxious moments?”

Naming without judgment helps your child feel seen—and teaches them emotional vocabulary.

2. Don’t always “fix”—stay with them instead

Instead of rushing to reassure (“There’s nothing to be afraid of”), try:

“This feels hard right now. I’m here with you. We’ll get through this together.”

Your calm presence becomes more regulating than any solution.

3. Practice short, daily regulation rituals

Try 3–5 minutes of co-regulation each day:

Butterfly taps (tapping each shoulder with opposite hands)
Belly breathing together
Drawing a “worry monster” and feeding it fears

These small rituals build nervous system safety and trust—especially when done consistently.

How Therapy Can Help

At Feel Your Way Therapy, we offer child therapy in Toronto that meets children where they are—using play, creativity, mindfulness, and storytelling to help them process anxiety in a way that feels safe and engaging.

Child therapy helps: