ASK Dr Devi Raj
Child Anxiety: 10 Questions
Parents Frequently Ask
"Ask Dr Devi Raj" - Knowledge Hub is a practical psychology knowledge library for parents, adolescents, adults and families looking for clear answers to common emotional, behavioural, developmental and parenting concerns.
Dr. Devi Raj is a Developmental Psychologist, Certified Life Coach and Child Behaviour Specialist with over 15 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. At Pranaah Psychological Counselling Centre, she provides evidence-based psychological assessments, parenting guidance, developmental interventions, and emotional wellbeing services for families across Kollam, Karunagappally, Kerala, and through online consultations worldwide.
Disclaimer
This content is intended for general educational information and does not replace individual psychological assessment, diagnosis, medical advice or emergency care.
"Ask Dr Devi Raj" - Knowledge Hub
Child Anxiety: 10 Questions Parents Frequently Ask
“Ask Dr. Devi Raj” is a practical psychology knowledge library for parents, adolescents, adults and families looking for clear answers to common emotional, behavioural, developmental and parenting concerns.
The answers are educational and should not be used as a substitute for individual psychological assessment, diagnosis, medical advice or emergency support.
1. How does anxiety appear in children?
Anxiety may look like fear, irritability, avoidance, physical complaints, perfectionism, clinging or sleep difficulties.
2. Why does my child worry about everything?
Some children have a more anxious temperament, while stress, uncertainty and previous experiences can also contribute.
3. Can children have panic attacks?
Yes. Children and adolescents can experience episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms.
4. Why does my child need constant reassurance?
Repeated reassurance-seeking can be a way of trying to reduce anxiety temporarily.
5. Should I tell my child there is nothing to worry about?
It is usually better to acknowledge the worry and help the child cope with it rather than dismiss it.
6. Why does my child fear sleeping alone?
Separation anxiety, imagination, previous frightening experiences or general anxiety can contribute.
7. Can anxiety affect concentration?
Yes. Worry uses mental resources that would otherwise support attention and learning.
8. Does anxiety cause stomach pain?
Anxiety can contribute to real gastrointestinal discomfort, although persistent symptoms should also be medically evaluated.
9. Can shy children have anxiety?
Yes, but shyness itself is not necessarily an anxiety disorder.
10. When should childhood anxiety receive professional attention?
When fear persists, causes significant distress or interferes with school, sleep, friendships or daily life.