Why Is My Child So Anxious? | Child Anxiety Therapy in Calgary
Childhood is full of firsts—first days of school, new friends, sports tryouts, and sleepovers. Some worry is completely normal. But when fears seem bigger than the situation, or your child’s anxiety begins to affect daily life, it’s natural to wonder: Is this just a phase, or does my child need extra support?
At Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, our team of child psychologists helps families understand and manage anxiety in children and teens every day. Here’s what we want Calgary parents to know about anxiety—and how you can help your child feel more at ease.
What Childhood Anxiety Can Look Like
Anxiety in children doesn’t always sound like “I’m worried.” Children often exhibit it through behaviors or physical symptoms that can be confusing or frustrating for their parents.
Common signs of anxiety include:
Physical complaints: frequent stomach aches, headaches, or trouble sleeping
Avoidance: reluctance to attend school, playdates, or new activities
Big emotions: meltdowns or tears in response to change or pressure
Perfectionism: distress over small mistakes or needing things “just right”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common concerns we see in our Calgary child therapy and teen therapy practices. The good news: with the right understanding and tools, anxiety can be managed effectively.
Why Some Kids Worry More Than Others
There isn’t one single cause of anxiety—it’s often a mix of factors:
Biology: Some children are naturally wired to feel emotions more deeply.
Temperament: Sensitive or cautious children may focus on what could go wrong rather than what might go right.
Environment: Changes such as a move, divorce, or starting a new school can trigger worry.
Family history: Anxiety can run in families, though it may look different for each child.
Recognizing these influences can help parents respond with empathy instead of frustration. Understanding why your child feels this way is the first step toward helping them feel safe and supported.
Did you know that the same part of the brain that triggers anxiety—the amygdala—is also involved in learning courage? When children face fears in small, safe steps, their brain literally builds “bravery pathways” that make it easier to manage worries next time.
How Calgary Child Psychologists Can Help
At Creative Sky Psychology, we tailor therapy to meet your child where they are—because no two kids experience anxiety in the same way.
Our approaches include:
Play Therapy: Younger children express feelings through play. This approach helps them explore worries safely, using storytelling, toys, and imagination.
Art Therapy: Creative outlets like drawing, painting, or sculpting allow children to “show” emotions they can’t yet describe in words.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): For older children and teens, CBT teaches practical skills to challenge anxious thoughts and build confidence.
Parent Counselling and Support: We coach parents on how to respond to anxious behaviors in ways that encourage bravery instead of avoidance.
Our goal is simple: to help your child feel safe, confident, and capable of handling challenges—without worry holding them back.
What Parents Can Try at Home
You don’t have to fix every fear, but you can guide your child in learning to face anxiety step by step.
Try these small, practical strategies:
Name the worry: Give it language. “Sounds like your worry voice is really loud right now.”
Model calm: Show how you manage stress—deep breaths, problem-solving, or taking breaks.
Break tasks down: Make steps smaller. “Let’s walk to the front door together,” instead of “Go to school.”
Celebrate bravery: Focus on effort, not outcome. “You did something that felt hard today—great job!”
Small, consistent steps build resilience and teach kids that they can handle uncomfortable feelings.
When to Seek Support in Calgary
If your child’s anxiety is affecting school, friendships, sleep, or family life, professional help can make a big difference. At Creative Sky Psychology, our Calgary child psychologists use compassionate, evidence-based approaches to help kids manage worry, build confidence, and feel empowered.
Together, we work with families to:
Understand and name anxiety triggers
Build coping strategies that actually work
Strengthen self-esteem and emotional resilience
Anxiety doesn’t have to define your child’s experience—it’s something they can learn to understand and manage with the right support.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety is common, but it’s also manageable. With empathy, guidance, and professional support, your child can learn to face fears and build the confidence they need to thrive.
At Creative Sky Psychology, we’re here to help Calgary families understand anxiety and find practical, strength-based ways to support their child’s emotional well-being.
📍 Visit us: #5, 2005 37 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3E 3A5
📞 Call: 587-331-4464 ext. 1
✉️ Email: info@creativeskypsychology.com
🌐 Book an appointment online to learn how child therapy in Calgary can help your child feel calmer and more confident.
Looking for therapy for older teens, post-secondary students, or adults? Visit our sister clinic, NU Psychology in Calgary, where mental health support is available at every stage of life.
-
If anxiety is disrupting sleep, school, or friendships, it’s a sign that your child may benefit from support. A Calgary child psychologist can help assess their needs and teach coping tools.
-
Play therapy and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) are effective approaches for helping children express feelings, challenge anxious thoughts, and practice new coping strategies.
-
Yes. Stay calm, offer reassurance, and celebrate small moments of bravery. Avoid removing all stressors—instead, guide your child in facing challenges step by step with support.
