The back-to-school buzz can be an exciting time for children – new teachers, fresh books, new classrooms, seeing old friends, and making new ones. For parents too, it often brings a sense of relief and the hope of returning to some routine and normality after a chaotic summer (or maybe that’s just my house?!).

However, for some children and families, this transition can feel far less exciting. Nervousness and apprehension about returning to school are very normal feelings, but if these worries don’t fade with time or begin to worsen, they can start to affect a child’s daily life and wellbeing. When this happens, it’s quite possible that your child is experiencing anxiety – and many parents can feel helpless and upset, unsure of how to best support them.

This post will help you understand what anxiety looks like in children, how common it is, and practical ways you can help your child manage it.

How Common Is Anxiety in Children?

Anxiety in young people is very common. Research suggests that up to 1 in 6 children and teenagers will experience anxiety at some point in their lives (YoungMinds).

Symptoms of Anxiety in Children

All children feel anxious from time to time – this is normal. Anxiety becomes a concern when these feelings intensify or last longer than expected.

Physical symptoms may include:

• Trouble sleeping

• Loss of appetite

• Feeling tired or irritable

• Dry mouth

• Headaches, stomach aches, or diarrhoea

• Muscle tension, shaking, or heart palpitations

• Dizziness or feeling faint

• Rapid or shallow breathing

Behavioural and emotional signs may include:

• Refusing to go to school

• Clinginess or tantrums in younger children

• Withdrawal from friends or family

• Persistent negativity

• Constant reassurance-seeking

• Low mood or depression

What to Do If You Suspect Anxiety

What Parents Can Do

Here are three practical ways you can support your child (adapted from an article by Parent Line Australia):

1. Encourage open conversations

Invite your child to talk about their worries. Share examples of what made you anxious as a child, and model calm acceptance when talking about anxiety. This helps your child feel safe and supported in expressing their feelings.

2. Teach your child about anxiety

Explain that anxiety has an important survival role – the fight, flight, or freeze response. Help your child understand the physical signs of anxiety, like sweaty hands, a racing heartbeat, or shallow breathing. This normalises the experience and helps them recognise what’s happening in their own body. A great collection of resources is available at the Charlie Waller Trust.

3. Help your child manage their anxiety

Encourage your child to notice where they feel anxiety in their body – perhaps by sketching an outline of themselves and marking the areas. Younger children may find it helpful to give their anxiety a character, such as “Mr Worry,” and learn to talk back to it. Teenagers might prefer metaphors, like turning down the volume on “worry radio.” There are also excellent free apps for children and teens that teach calming strategies (Parenting Chaos list).

When to Seek Professional Help

If your child’s anxiety does not improve, becomes more intense, or begins to interfere with everyday life, seeking additional support is important. Your GP or your child’s school psychologist can guide you through the next steps, whether that means further assessment, strategies for home and school, or a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.

Supporting Your Child Moving Forward

While anxiety can feel overwhelming, it is also manageable. With calm reassurance, clear information, and consistent support, children can learn to recognise anxious feelings and develop practical ways to cope. Small steps – like talking openly, practising strategies, and knowing when to seek help – can make a big difference to your child’s confidence and wellbeing both in and out of school.