Is It Just a Phase? How to Tell When Your Child’s Anxiety Needs Extra Support
Understanding What’s “Normal” — and What’s Not
Every child worries sometimes. New schools, tests, friendships — these can all stir up nerves. But when worry starts to take over, showing up as stomach aches, sleepless nights, or emotional outbursts, it may be time for extra support.
Anxiety in children often doesn’t look like “adult anxiety.” It can appear as irritability, avoidance, or even physical pain. The key difference is intensity and interference — when anxiety begins to limit what your child can enjoy or accomplish.
Signs Your Child Might Need Extra Support
Frequent tummy aches or headaches with no clear cause
Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
Irritability, tearfulness, or big emotional reactions
Avoiding school, social events, or new experiences
Seeking constant reassurance
Trouble focusing or completing tasks
If you’re seeing several of these signs, it doesn’t mean something is “wrong.” It means your child’s nervous system is asking for help.
What Can Help
At Same Stars Wellness, our pediatric care team supports children with anxiety through Occupational Therapy, Massage Therapy, and Acupuncture, using regulation-based approaches to calm and balance the nervous system.
We focus on creating safety and predictability, helping kids build confidence, body awareness, and self-regulation skills that carry into daily life.
Call to Action:
If you’re noticing signs of anxiety in your child, our team can help. Learn more about our pediatric care options or book a visit at www.samestarswellness.com.
Further Reading & Resources:
