Child Anxiety 

Anxiety is confusing, frustrating and often makes us feel stuck and alone. If you’re a parent of a child showing signs of anxiety, I have worked with many families to help them cope through anxiety and live the type of life they envisioned for their child.

Does this happen to your child?

  • Fears around loved ones dying, getting kidnapped, monsters, etc.

  • Freezing/refusing to participate in group social situation (sports, extracurriculars, parties), clinging to you; doesn’t say hi/bye to anyone  

  • Avoids socializing during group events; always with you; by the time they’re ready to mingle, the party is over

  • Crying persistently after separation

  • Stomach aches/head aches with no known physical cause; doctors have even told you everything is fine physically

  • Avoiding medical visits, some routine medical procedures have been skipped because of excessive resisting/crying

  • Asks a lot of the same questions repeatedly

  • Teachers/day care providers tell you your child doesn’t speak, doesn’t answer questions in class when called on; doesn’t do show & tell and/or class presentations

  • As a parent, you feel confused, demoralized and hopeless about your child’s behavior; you wonder if you’re doing something wrong or what you could do to help them; sometimes you feel impatient and/or angry with their behavior. You reluctantly allow your child to do things you don’t love, like stay with you, not go to sleep overs, sleep in your bed, etc. you know it’s not helping, but you don’t know what else to do. You find yourself frequently apologizing for their behavior.

Past clients of mine have achieved the following after treatment:

  • Your child engages in and ENJOYS social/peer activities, such as birthday parties, group get togethers, extracurriculars, sports, etc.

  • Your child is more comfortable speaking up in a group and giving presentations (and enjoying it)!

  • Separation is easier, which leads to more child playdates, parent date nights, etc.

  • Your child copes with worry and living life (despite some worries)

  • Your child can tolerate entire medical/dentist visits/procedures, shots/needles/blood

  • Your child experiences more confidence in new, unfamiliar tasks and situations

  • Your child experiences improved sleep, eating and digestion and reduction in pains/aches

  • Parents feel more parenting confidence! Parents know what to do when their child expresses anxiety, fear or worry

Treating anxiety in young children is a unique specialty. 50% of people living with anxiety were actually showing signs of it before age 6. However, parents often think these signs will either go away or aren’t aware that they are signs of anxiety. I was one of the main therapists on the UMD Shyness Study, which examined effective therapy for preschool age children with anxiety. I have also written extensively on anxiety in children and parents (see here, here, and here).

Email me to schedule a free 20-minute consultation.