Unmasking the Worry: Why Anxiety Is Your Child’s Signal for Support
Ever seen your child suddenly freeze at the school door, or refuse to tell you what’s wrong? That tension isn’t always about nerves. Often, it’s anxiety whispering, “I need help.” Recognizing that whisper is one of the most compassionate things a parent can do.
When Panic Speaks, It's Calling for Connection
In a recent episode of Celebrate Kids, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender unpacked the weight of returning to school, especially for the "COVID kids," who missed out on early routines, social rhythms, and classroom confidence. For many, anxiety surfaces not as outright fear, but as a quiet cry for connection.
Some kids dread leaving you in the morning.
Others pick at excuses or physical complaints.
A few just wilt under the buzz of new schedules and expectations.
These reactions aren’t weakness, they’re signals.
When anxiety arrives, it’s not a problem to fix, it’s an invitation to sit down with your child and say, “I see you, and I’m here for you.”
Unmasking Anxiety with Empathy, Not Erasure
Anxiety isn’t the enemy, it’s a messenger. It’s asking, “Do I have what I need?”
A few simple steps can go a long way in answering that:
Talk About What’s Hidden
Ask, “What part of school makes your tummy feel tight?” Let them lead, without judgment or immediate fix.Build “Muscles” for Routine
Establish gentle rhythms: school-night rituals, morning check-ins, weekend winding-downs. Familiarity becomes a safe landing spot.Use Creation as Comfort
A coloring break, a walk with leaves crunching underfoot, or painting can soothe better than a thousand reassurances.
Each of these quiet investments builds trust and safety.
Use the 8 Great Smarts to Help Your Child Feel Known—and Less Alone
Kids respond differently. Tap into how they learn and feel best:
Word Smart — Write a shared list together: “Five things that feel scary to me about school… and one thing I’m brave enough to try.”
Logic Smart — Break down what makes school feel big: What parts feel impossible? What small step can make it okay?
Picture Smart — Draw a “worry cloud” over your child’s day, then redraw the same day with “small safe zones”—like lunch, recess, or a favorite class.
Music Smart — Choose songs that calm—the ones that say, “You belong, you’re seen.”
Body Smart — Let movement release tension. Dance, stretch, play catch. Ask, “How’s your body feeling after that?”
Nature Smart — Watch flowers grow. Remind them: "You’re growing too—just harder to see."
People Smart — Role-play simple school encounters—”Hi, I’m nervous” or “Can we meet up after?”
Self Smart — Give them a moment to close their eyes, name their biggest fear, then whisper a truth—“I am safe, I can try, I am loved.”