Why Is My Child So Anxious?
A Calgary Psychologist’s Guide to Helping Kids with Worry
Childhood is full of new experiences—first days of school, sleepovers, trying out for sports teams. Some worry is completely normal. But when your child’s fears start to feel bigger than the situation, it can leave you wondering: Is this just a phase, or does my child need extra support?
At Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, we help families understand anxiety in children and teens every day. Here’s what we want parents to know.
What Childhood Anxiety Looks Like
Anxiety doesn’t always show up as “I’m worried.” Kids often express it in different ways:
Physical complaints: stomach aches, headaches, or trouble sleeping.
Avoidance: refusing school, dreading playdates, or wanting to stay close to you.
Meltdowns: big emotions when faced with new or stressful situations.
Perfectionism: tears over small mistakes, or needing everything “just right.”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common concerns we see in our Calgary clinic.
Why Some Kids Worry More Than Others
There’s no single cause of anxiety. Often it’s a mix of:
Biology: Some kids are simply wired to feel emotions more strongly.
Temperament: Sensitive or cautious children may notice risks before they see opportunities.
Environment: Big changes—like a move, divorce, or new school—can fuel anxiety.
Family history: Anxiety often runs in families, though it can look different in every child.
How Calgary Child Psychologists Can Help
At Creative Sky, we use a mix of therapies tailored for kids:
Play therapy: Because children often express feelings through play, not words.
Art therapy: Drawing, painting, or sculpting gives kids a safe way to “show” their worries.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy): For older children and teens, CBT teaches skills to challenge anxious thoughts.
Parent support: We coach parents on how to respond to anxiety without accidentally reinforcing it.
Our goal? To help your child feel safe, capable, and ready to take on challenges—without worry holding them back.
What Parents Can Try at Home
You don’t need to solve every worry, but you can help your child build confidence with small steps:
Name the worry: “Sounds like your worry voice is really loud right now.”
Model calm: Show your child how you take a deep breath when you feel stressed.
Break things down: Instead of “Go to school,” try, “Let’s walk to the front door together.”
Celebrate bravery: Notice effort, not just results. (“You tried something scary today—well done!”)
Final Thoughts
Every child feels worry at times, but anxiety doesn’t have to define their story. With the right guidance, children can learn to manage big feelings, grow their confidence, and feel more in control of daily life. At Creative Sky Psychology, our Calgary team specializes in walking alongside kids and parents as they build skills for calmer, brighter days.
For teens and adults—or if you’re looking for specialized trauma care such as EMDR therapy—visit our sister clinic, NU Psychology, where our team supports mental wellness across all stages of life.
