Helping With Anxiety and Transitions

Although anxiety is the most common mental health challenge for children, in the early years it can be hard to recognize and is often missed. A child’s automatic response may be to protect themselves, and they may hit, bite and yell—all to make what they feel is a “threat” go away. A child can feel alarmed when separated from the people they’re attached to. Of course, alarmed children usually don’t know why they feel bad inside; they’re just agitated, restless, rigid and irritable.

The deep instinct to stay close to the people they’re attached to can make separation at drop-off and bedtime difficult in these years. And as young children grow, their worries and fears combine with a growing imagination and exposure to real-world events and dangers, creating a perfect anxiety storm.

By recognizing and understanding anxiety in the early years, parents can take the lead in supporting their anxious child.

These resources include practical tips on recognizing anxiety in the early years.