How can I tell if my child is anxious?

If your child is anxious, you might notice they’re more restless or irritable than usual. They may seem tense or have trouble sleeping. Or they may seem very tired or struggle to concentrate.

It’s normal to feel anxious about a big change or stressful event, such as starting school, moving home or exams. However, even everyday things can cause anxious thoughts from time to time. When this is more severe, it can also sometimes be referred to as anxiety.

Feeling scared or worried can make young people act out. This can look like attention-seeking, but may be their way of asking for reassurance or help.

As a parent, there are things you can do to help your child understand and manage their feelings. Read more for tips on how to do this. 

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This advice was written by our experienced Parent Talk coaches. Parent Talk is a free online service for parents and carers, provided by the charity Action for Children. For more advice, message our parenting coaches with our online chat.

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