Anxiety is the most common emotional problem in children. Kids can develop crippling worries about many things, from germs to vomiting to their parents dying. Some anxious kids are painfully shy, and avoid things that other kids enjoy, Some have tantrums and meltdowns, and others develop elaborate rituals, like compulsive hand washing, aimed at diminishing the fear. Below you’ll find resources, articles and information about the most common anxiety disorders in children, practical advice for parenting anxious children, and the best treatments—both behavioral therapy and medication—for anxiety.
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Ask an Expert
All Ask an Expert- My daughter is worrying about her upcoming graduation and the future. Lately she can’t sleep and her heart is racing. Is she having panic attacks?
- What is the best high school school environment for a student with generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety?
- Since a classmate’s family was killed in a plane crash, our daughter is terribly anxious that something bad will happen to us. How can we help her?
- Should my son with Tourette’s syndrome get exposure therapy for his school anxiety?
- Our daughter doesn’t accept her diagnoses of anxiety and depression, and we aren’t thrilled with the psychologist. Any suggestions?
- Our 6-year-old is too anxious to participate in school activities. What should we do?
- My son seems to have separation anxiety. Does he need to see somebody? I don’t want him to be labeled.
- My son has trouble sleeping on school nights. How can I help him overcome his anxiety?
- My kids’ fears are keeping them from doing things they need to do. And I’m so tired of fighting it I’m giving in. What can I do?
- My husband and I are beginning to worry about our 3-year-old daughter’s preoccupation with death. How can we answer her questions?
- My daughter, 6, had what I think was a panic attack, and she has extreme nightmares. Should I worry?
- My daughter wet herself at school and now her older sister is afraid the same thing will happen to her. What can I do?
- My daughter used to love sleepovers but after getting sick at one she has become afraid of them. How do I help her get over it?
- My daughter says “you can’t control my thoughts” when I try to comfort her. What can I do?
- My daughter is nervous about starting middle school this year. Do you have any tips for calming her anxiety?
- My daughter cries nearly every day going to daycare. Could she have anxiety issues?
- My anxious son is 16, home-schooled, and prefers ‘cyber friends’ to real ones. We want him back in school, but can he cope?
- My 8-year-old son always feels unwell and is very emotional. I am depressed, and our interactions are difficult. Please help.
- My 5-year-old grandson, now living with his dad, cries about everything. Any ideas that would help?
- My 4-year-old was scared by a Halloween store several weeks ago, and he’s still afraid to be by himself. What can I do?
- My 4-year-old has strange fears. Should she see a psychiatrist?
- My 4-year-old daughter acts like she doesn’t want to be near her father when she visits him. We’ve never lived together. Advice?
- My 2-year-old daughter has a lot of fears and they are getting worse. Should I be worried?
- My 16-year-old son vomits before every basketball game. Could this be generalized anxiety disorder?
- My 11-year-old son has started having crushes on teachers and moms of friends. He has an obsessive personality and finds this all very embarrassing. What can I do?
- My 11-year-old daughter gets sick to her stomach and cries when I take her to school. Is this an anxiety disorder?
- My 10-year-old son has become more sensitive over the last two years and now cries over almost anything. What can I do?
- My 10-year-old daughter with anxiety won’t participate in gym. Should we push her?
- I’m 13, and I think I have social anxiety. My parents say I have disruptive behavior. How can I tell which I have?
- My 8-year-old son with ADHD is anxious. Should we add to or change his medication?
- My daughter with anxiety and ADHD says she “is not as smart as the other kids.” How can I help her find strength and motivation?
- I am a mom with a 1-year-old son. Is a weeklong separation every 4 months OK?
- How hard should I push my 9-year-old son to overcome his anxiety?
- How can I help a 4-year-old who worries about everything?
- Could an ear infection be causing my son’s anxiety?
- After being home sick for four days, my daughter, who loved school, now cries when I leave her. What can I do?
- A kindergarten student with SM refuses to use the bathroom at school. Do you have any suggestions?
- A child whose mother is hospitalized cries daily, disrupting the class. Should we pity her or demand that she perform?
