Understanding Anxiety in Young Children

Anxiety is a natural response to unfamiliar situations, but for some young children, it can become overwhelming. Common triggers include separation from caregivers, changes in routine, new environments, and social interactions. While occasional worry is normal, persistent anxiety can affect a child's well-being and development.

Signs of Anxiety in Early Years

Young children may not be able to express their feelings verbally, so it's important to recognise signs of anxiety, such as:

• Clinginess or reluctance to separate from parents or caregivers

• Frequent tummy aches or headaches with no medical cause

• Avoidance of certain activities or social interactions

• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares

• Excessive crying or tantrums in response to minor changes

• Repetitive reassurance-seeking from adults

Strategies to Support Anxious Children

1. Create a Predictable and Safe Environment

• Maintain consistent routines to provide a sense of security.

• Give children advance notice about changes, using visual timetables where possible.

• Offer calm, reassuring transitions between activities.

2. Encourage Emotional Expression

• Teach children simple ways to describe their feelings, such as using emotion cards or storytelling.

• Provide a designated “calm space” where they can self-regulate.

• Use play-based methods like role-play or puppets to explore and discuss worries.

3. Model and Teach Coping Strategies

• Introduce simple breathing exercises (e.g., “smell the flower, blow out the candle”).

• Encourage relaxation activities such as mindfulness, yoga, or sensory play.

• Support problem-solving skills by breaking challenges into manageable steps.

4. Build Confidence and Resilience

• Praise effort rather than outcomes to build self-esteem.

• Set small, achievable goals to help children face their fears gradually.

• Encourage independence by allowing children to make simple choices.

5. Work in Partnership with Parents

• Communicate regularly with families about their child’s needs and progress.

• Provide reassurance and resources to help parents support their child at home.

• Suggest professional support if anxiety significantly affects daily life.

When to Seek Additional Support

If anxiety persists and begins to impact a child's ability to engage in daily activities, it may be beneficial to seek professional advice. Health visitors, GPs, or early years specialists can offer further support and guidance.

By creating a supportive environment and equipping children with coping strategies, early years practitioners can help ease anxiety and build resilience. With patience, understanding, and consistent reassurance, children can develop the confidence to navigate new experiences and challenges.