Anxiety is a natural part of childhood, but when worries become persistent, excessive, or start interfering with daily life, they may indicate an anxiety disorder. As a parent, recognizing the signs and knowing how to help can make all the difference in your child’s well-being.
We sat down with Jessy Boon, Behavioral Health Manager at Partners in Pediatrics (PIP), to explore how parents can identify anxiety in children, provide support at home, and when to seek professional help. With years of experience helping kids navigate emotional challenges, Jessy specializes in empowering families with the tools and strategies they need to help children thrive.
Recognizing Anxiety in Children: What to Watch For
According to Jessy Boon, some of the most common signs of anxiety in children include:
- Excessive fear or worry
- Avoidance of certain situations
- Frequent stomach aches or headaches
- Trouble sleeping
- Clinginess
- Difficulty concentrating
- Perfectionism
While occasional fears are normal, Jessy advises parents to pay attention to the severity and persistence of these symptoms. If anxiety starts interfering with daily life, social interactions, or school, it may be time to take action.
Types of Childhood Anxiety: What Parents Should Know
Jessy explains that anxiety isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different anxiety disorders present in unique ways:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of life, making it hard for children to focus or engage in daily activities.
- Separation Anxiety: Intense distress when apart from parents or caregivers, often leading to school refusal or difficulty sleeping alone.
- Social Anxiety: Fear of embarrassment or rejection, making it difficult to speak in class, interact with peers, or participate in social activities.
- Specific Phobias: Extreme fears of certain objects or situations (e.g., animals, storms, heights) that don’t fade with reassurance and disrupt daily life.
“If your child seems excessively worried or avoids situations due to fear, it’s worth reaching out for professional guidance,” says Jessy Boon.
What Causes Anxiety in Children?
When asked about anxiety triggers, Jessy highlights a combination of factors:
- Stressful life events – Moving, divorce, or a loss can heighten anxiety.
- Family dynamics and genetics – A family history of anxiety can increase risk.
- Social pressures – School performance, peer relationships, and social media contribute to worry.
- World events – Exposure to distressing news can make children feel unsafe.
“These stressors can create a sense of uncertainty, and children often respond by seeking control through excessive worrying,” Jessy explains.
Practical Strategies for Parents
Jessy emphasizes that parents play a key role in helping their child manage anxiety at home. She recommends the following:
- Validate feelings – Let your child know their emotions are real and understandable.
- Teach relaxation techniques – Deep breathing and mindfulness can help regulate anxious thoughts.
- Establish routines – Consistency provides comfort and reduces stress.
- Encourage positive self-talk – Help children reframe negative thoughts into realistic, empowering ones.
- Limit screen time – Social media can heighten anxiety and self-comparison.
- Engage in calming activities – Journaling, drawing, and outdoor play can provide emotional balance.
Common Mistakes Parents Might Make
Even with the best intentions, Jessy warns that some parenting approaches can unintentionally reinforce anxiety. Common mistakes include:
- Overprotectiveness – Shielding children from all distress prevents them from building resilience.
- Constant reassurance – While reassurance can help in the moment, it can create long-term dependence on external validation.
- Avoiding anxiety triggers – Completely removing stressors may seem helpful but can reinforce avoidance behaviors.
- Dismissing their feelings – Minimizing fears can make children feel unheard and misunderstood.
“Instead of eliminating anxiety, our goal should be to teach children healthy ways to manage it,” Jessy advises.
Encouraging Resilience in Children
According to Jessy, helping children develop resilience is one of the most effective ways to combat anxiety. Parents can encourage resilience by:
- Teaching children to name and express emotions
- Providing opportunities for problem-solving
- Modeling healthy coping strategies
- Encouraging a growth mindset (e.g., ‘Mistakes help us learn’)
- Supporting, rather than rescuing, children from challenges
“Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about giving kids the skills to face challenges with confidence,” says Jessy.
When to Seek Professional Help for Childhood Anxiety
If anxiety is significantly impacting your child’s daily life, Jessy Boon encourages parents to seek professional support.
“If a child’s anxiety is interfering with school, friendships, sleep, or overall well-being, therapy can provide the right tools to help,” she explains.
One of the most effective treatments is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps children identify and reframe negative thought patterns while building practical coping skills.
How PIP’s Whole-Child Approach Supports Children with Anxiety
At Partners in Pediatrics, Jessy Boon and the PIP team take an integrative, whole-child approach to mental health, addressing emotional, physical, and social well-being.
“Anxiety isn’t just in the mind—it’s influenced by sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and stress levels. A comprehensive approach helps kids manage anxiety more effectively,” says Jessy.
Key elements of PIP’s whole-child support include:
- Healthy sleep habits – Poor sleep can heighten anxiety symptoms.
- Nutrition – A well-balanced diet supports brain function and emotional regulation.
- Physical activity – Exercise releases endorphins, which naturally reduce stress.
- Emotional support – A strong family and community network helps children feel secure.
“At PIP, we work alongside families to create personalized strategies for managing anxiety,” Jessy adds.
Book an Appointment with Jessy Boon at PIP
If your child is struggling with anxiety, Jessy Boon at Partners in Pediatrics is here to help. With her expertise in childhood mental health, she works closely with families to provide evidence-based strategies and compassionate support.
“Early intervention can make a huge difference. If you’re concerned about your child’s anxiety, I encourage you to reach out so we can work together on a plan,” says Jessy.
Schedule an appointment with Jessy Boon today to help your child build confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being.
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