Parenting an Anxious Child
Parenting a child with anxiety can stir up so many emotions—confusion, frustration, even guilt. You want to help, to take away the worry, to make their world feel safe again. But sometimes, no matter how much reassurance or problem-solving you offer, the anxiety seems to come back stronger. It can leave you wondering if you’re doing something wrong, or if things will ever get better.
There’s Hope—And It Starts with Understanding
Here’s the good news: anxiety doesn’t mean something is broken in your child. It’s their body and brain trying (sometimes overzealously) to keep them safe. That “fight or flight” system—the same one that helps us react quickly to danger—can get triggered by ordinary things like going to school, meeting new people, or facing change.
When we can see anxiety as a signal rather than a flaw, the goal shifts. It’s not about eliminating fear—it’s about teaching your child how to walk through it, one small, brave step at a time.
Your Win: Practical Ways to Support Your Child’s Anxiety
Name it, don’t shame it. When your child feels anxious, try saying, “I can tell this feels scary right now,” instead of, “You don’t need to worry.” Naming the feeling helps them feel seen and validated.
Model calm. Your nervous system teaches theirs. When you take a slow breath or speak gently, you communicate safety without words.
Encourage small exposures. Growth happens in the middle ground—situations that stretch, but don’t overwhelm. Start small: a short playdate, ordering food, answering one question in class. Celebrate the effort, not the outcome.
Reframe anxiety as a messenger. Teach your child to ask, “What is my worry trying to tell me?” Sometimes it’s a reminder to prepare; sometimes it’s just a false alarm. Either way, it’s something they can learn to listen to—without obeying every time.
Each of these steps helps your child learn that anxiety isn’t in control—they are.
The Challenge Ahead
Even with progress, anxiety tends to ebb and flow. There will be days when your child takes two steps forward and one step back. In those moments, your confidence as a parent might waver again. You might start to wonder if you’re equipped to keep helping—or if it’s time to get more support.
That’s okay. Anxiety isn’t something you have to navigate alone.
A Gentle Next Step
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to support your child through anxiety, therapy can help both of you feel more equipped and connected. In my work with families, I focus on helping children understand their anxiety while giving parents the tools to respond with calm, confidence, and compassion.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to take the next small step.
👉 Schedule a consultation to begin finding steadiness for both you and your child.
Tanner Garrett, LPC - Associate
Supervised by Melissa McGee, LPC-S
Therapist in Mansfield, TX | Specializing in anxiety, trauma, and family connection
Tanner helps children and parents learn to manage anxiety through evidence-based, relationship-focused therapy. His approach blends compassion with practical tools so families can move toward steadiness, confidence, and deeper connection.
