Is My Child Struggling with Anxiety or Just Stressed?
Stress is a normal part of life, and kids experience it just like adults do. Big tests, social conflicts, changes at home—it’s all part of growing up. But sometimes, that stress doesn’t just come and go; it sticks around, builds up, and starts to impact their daily life. That’s when we might be looking at something more: anxiety.
So, how do you tell the difference? And when is it time to seek help? Let’s break it down.
Stress vs. Anxiety: What’s the Difference?
Stress is usually tied to a specific event or situation. Your child might be nervous about a presentation, frustrated with a difficult homework assignment, or upset about a fight with a friend. But once the situation passes, so does the stress.
Anxiety, on the other hand, tends to be more persistent. It’s not just about one test or one tough day—it’s a pattern. Your child might worry excessively, avoid certain situations, or struggle with fears that seem out of proportion to reality. Anxiety can also show up in their body—headaches, stomach aches, trouble sleeping—all without a clear medical cause.
Signs Your Child Might Be Dealing with Anxiety
Here are some red flags that what you’re seeing might be more than just everyday stress:
Constant worrying – If your child always seems to be expecting the worst, even when there’s no clear reason to be afraid.
Avoiding situations – Do they refuse to go to school, avoid social situations, or get overly upset about routine activities?
Frequent physical complaints – Stomach aches, headaches, or other physical symptoms with no medical explanation.
Sleep troubles – Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or having frequent nightmares.
Irritability and emotional outbursts – Anxiety doesn’t always look like fear—it can also show up as frustration, meltdowns, or anger.
Perfectionism and fear of failure – A child with anxiety may avoid new activities because they’re terrified of making a mistake.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
All kids feel anxious sometimes, but if anxiety is interfering with their ability to enjoy daily life, it’s worth reaching out for support. If you notice that their fears and worries are keeping them from school, friendships, sleep, or activities they used to enjoy, it’s time to take a closer look.
A therapist can help your child understand and manage their anxiety in a healthy way. Therapy can teach coping skills, help reframe anxious thoughts, and give kids (and parents!) the tools they need to feel more in control.
How You Can Support Your Child at Home
Even before seeking professional help, there are ways to support your child and help them build resilience:
Validate their feelings – Instead of saying, “There’s nothing to worry about,” try, “I can see that this is really hard for you.”
Help them name their anxiety – Sometimes, just identifying it (“That’s your worry voice talking”) can make it feel less overwhelming.
Teach calming techniques – Deep breathing, mindfulness, and movement can all help regulate emotions.
Encourage brave behavior – Help them take small steps toward facing their fears instead of avoiding them.
Model healthy coping – Kids pick up on how we handle stress. Show them that it’s okay to feel worried sometimes—and that those feelings don’t have to control us.
It’s tough to watch your child struggle, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you’re wondering whether your child’s stress is turning into anxiety, trust your instincts. Support at home can make a big difference, and professional help is always an option if anxiety is getting in the way of their happiness.
If you have questions or need support, we’re here for you. At Empower Family Therapy, we help kids and families work through anxiety and build confidence. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can help!