Children and teens don’t always have the language or insight to say, “I’m anxious.” Instead, anxiety often shows up through behavior, physical symptoms, or emotional reactions that can be confusing or frustrating for parents.

What looks like defiance, avoidance, irritability, or “attitude” may actually be a child or teen’s nervous system in overdrive. Anxiety is not a failure of parenting or resilience — it’s a natural stress response that sometimes needs guidance and support.

In younger children, anxiety frequently appears in physical or behavioral ways rather than verbal worry. Some common signs include:

• Frequent stomachaches, headaches, or unexplained physical complaints
• Difficulty separating from parents or caregivers
• Tantrums or emotional outbursts that seem disproportionate
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Avoidance of school, activities, or new situations
• Excessive reassurance-seeking (“Are you sure?” “What if?”)

Children may not understand why they feel uncomfortable — they only know they want the feeling to stop. Avoidance becomes a natural coping strategy, even though it can make anxiety stronger over time.

Anxiety in teens is often mistaken for moodiness, laziness, or normal adolescent behavior. While some changes are developmentally appropriate, ongoing patterns may signal anxiety beneath the surface.

Signs of anxiety in teens can include:

• Withdrawal from friends or family
• Irritability, frustration, or emotional shutdown
• Perfectionism or intense academic pressure
• Procrastination or avoidance of responsibilities
• Increased screen time as a way to escape stress
• Physical symptoms such as fatigue or tension

Teens may minimize their anxiety or fear being judged, making it harder for parents to recognize what’s really going on.

Many families are noticing higher levels of anxiety than in previous generations. There isn’t one single cause — anxiety develops through a combination of temperament, life experiences, and environmental stressors.

Common contributors include:

• Academic pressure and performance expectations
• Social comparison and constant online exposure
• Big life transitions such as moves, family changes, or loss
• A fast-paced, overstimulating world
• Developing brains and nervous systems still learning regulation

Anxiety is not a sign of weakness. It’s a signal that a child or teen’s system needs support in learning how to cope with stress effectively.

Therapy offers children and teens a safe, supportive space to understand their anxiety and build tools to manage it. Rather than simply trying to eliminate anxiety, therapy focuses on helping kids feel capable, confident, and resilient.

At Desert Peace Therapy, child and adolescent anxiety therapy often includes:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping kids understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected
• Emotional regulation skills: Learning how to calm the body and manage big feelings
• Coping strategies: Building practical tools to face anxiety instead of avoiding it
• Confidence-building: Strengthening self-trust and problem-solving skills
• Parent support: Helping caregivers respond in ways that reduce anxiety cycles

For children, therapy is often play-based and developmentally appropriate. For teens, therapy provides a nonjudgmental space to process stress, pressure, and emotions they may not feel comfortable sharing elsewhere.

Some worry and stress are normal parts of growing up. Therapy may be helpful when anxiety:

• Interferes with school, friendships, or daily routines
• Leads to increasing avoidance or withdrawal
• Causes frequent emotional distress or physical complaints
• Persists for weeks or months
• Leaves parents feeling unsure how to help

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, seeking support early can prevent anxiety from becoming more overwhelming over time.

Parents play a powerful role in helping children and teens feel safe and supported. While therapy provides tools, everyday interactions matter just as much.

Helpful strategies include:

• Validating feelings without reinforcing fear
• Encouraging coping skills instead of avoidance
• Modeling calm, regulated responses during stressful moments
• Reducing excessive reassurance that can unintentionally fuel anxiety
• Creating predictable routines and emotional safety

Small, consistent shifts can make a meaningful difference in how anxiety is experienced and managed.