Signs of anxiety are not always obvious. Sometimes it shows up as annoying or difficult behaviour.
You might see:
- anger or frustration
- defiance or resistance
- shutting down or withdrawing
- foot, finger tapping
- jaw clenching or teeth grinding
- chewing (clothing, pens, pencils)
- disrupted sleep patterns
- continually needing reassurance
- school avoidance
- after school meltdowns
- worried, anticipating the worst
Looking Beneath the Behaviour
When a child feels overwhelmed, their behaviour is often their way of “acting out” what they are feeling.
They may not have the words to explain what is happening for them.
Children respond best when their world feels safe.
Sudden or unexpected changes can make a child feel tense or anxious.
They benefit most from your support and understanding.
A Helpful Question
Instead of wondering:
“Why are they acting like this?”
You might try asking yourself:
“What might they be feeling right now?”, or
“What might they be needing?”
Often what they are needing most is your calm and safe presence.
What Can Help
It can help if we are able to stay calm and present
Taking some deep breaths with long, slow exhalations is a good start.
When we feel calm, our children will generally become calmer too.
You can help by:
- offering connection and support
- allowing space to decompress
- offering understanding and empathy
A Gentle Next Step
Our children’s behaviours can trigger similar feelings of frustration and anxiety in us.
If you are concerned, or the anxiety is interfering with everyday activities, it is a good idea to seek help
Holistic counselling offers a safe space where you can share your concerns.
We can work together to find solutions to help both you and your child.
Learn More
Anxiety in Children: Understanding What Your Child may be Feeling
After School Meltdowns and School Refusal: Understanding and Supporting your Child
