Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes
If your child is anxious, on edge, or avoiding everyday tasks, you’re not alone. Anxiety is skyrocketing in kids and teens, and parents are feeling the ripple effects at home.
In this episode, Dr. Roseann breaks down why anxiety has become so common, what’s actually happening in your child’s nervous system, and the small daily steps that help kids build resilience without relying on psych meds.
You’ll learn what causes childhood anxiety, how avoidance keeps kids stuck, and the practical ways parents can model calm—even when things feel overwhelming.
Why is my child suddenly so anxious all the time?
Anxiety rarely comes out of nowhere. As Dr. Roseann shares, it often builds from cumulative stressors rather than one big event.
Common contributors include:
- Poor sleep
- Nutritional stress and processed foods
- Chronic overwhelm or academic pressure
- Parents’ own anxiety
- Lack of downtime for regulation
When these stack up, the nervous system shifts out of a calm state and into a hyper-reactive one. That’s when you start seeing stomach aches, irritability, worry, or clinginess.
Parent scenario:
Your child starts crying every morning before school—but nothing “big” happened. That’s a dysregulated brain waving a red flag, not misbehavior.
How do I know if my child’s behavior is anxiety or something else?
Anxiety often shows up as behaviors long before kids can articulate their feelings.
Look for:
- Avoidance (school, dentist, social situations)
- Irritability or anger
- Fearfulness and excessive worry
- Sleep issues
- Somatic symptoms like headaches or stomach aches
Remember: Behavior is communication. Your child isn’t trying to be difficult—their brain is struggling to cope.
What should I do when my child avoids things because of anxiety?
Avoidance provides temporary relief—but it reinforces anxiety long-term.
Dr. Roseann explains that the goal isn’t forcing kids into scary situations, but guiding them through gradual exposure with support.
Try this approach:
- Validate: “I know this feels hard.”
- Problem-solve together: Earbuds at the dentist, a comfort item, a step-by-step plan.
- Break tasks into tiny wins
- Celebrate progress, not perfection
Example: Your child panics about the dentist. Instead of canceling, you create a plan: watch a movie, listen to music, then sit in the chair for 1 minute. Over time, confidence grows.
How can I support my anxious child without enabling avoidance?
Kids need compassion and gentle nudging. Support is:
- Respecting genuine dislikes
- Helping them regulate
- Teaching coping skills
Enabling is:
- Removing every trigger
- Canceling necessary appointments
- Allowing long-term avoidance
Bold reminder: You can be supportive without shielding them from all discomfort.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP and get your FREE Regulation Rescue Kit: Head to www.drroseann.com/newsletter and start your calm parenting journey today.
🗣️ “Avoidance only gives temporary relief, but it builds long-term anxiety. Every small step forward rewires the brain for resilience.”
— Dr. Roseann
Summary
Anxiety doesn’t mean your child is broken—it means their brain needs support. By calming the nervous system, modeling coping skills, and reducing avoidance, you can help your child build real resilience.
FAQs
What triggers anxiety in kids?
Daily stressors, lack of sleep, poor diet, and overwhelm can dysregulate the nervous system, leading to anxiety.
Can anxiety show up as anger?
Yes. Irritability and anger are common anxiety symptoms in kids who can’t verbalize their fears.
Should I push my child to do things they fear?
Gently—never force. Use gradual exposure with validation and support.
Can parents’ anxiety affect kids?
Absolutely. Kids mirror adult energy, which is why calming your brain helps theirs.
Is anxiety always genetic?
No. Most childhood anxiety stems from cumulative stress, not genetics alone.
Next Step:
Feel like you’ve tried everything and still don’t have answers? The Solution Matcher helps you find the best starting point based on your child’s symptoms and behaviors. Get your personalized plan now at www.drroseann.com/help
