Seven everyday behaviours that may signal hidden anxiety in children

From school-day stomach aches to repeated danger questions, subtle changes in behaviour can suggest a child is struggling with anxiety and needs support.

Children often show anxiety in ways that look like ordinary behaviour, from a sore stomach before school to a sudden reluctance to leave a parent’s side. According to everymum.ie, Dr Sandra, a clinical psychologist and mother who has spoken publicly about her own childhood anxiety, has been using social media to help parents spot signs that a child may be struggling more than they can say out loud.

In one video highlighted by the outlet, Sandra points to seven patterns that can suggest a child is carrying more worry than adults realise. These include morning stomach aches linked to school, trouble falling asleep without a parent nearby, losing interest in favourite activities, clinging in social settings, repeated “what if” questions about danger, becoming unsettled in unfamiliar places and giving up quickly when something feels difficult.

The Cleveland Clinic says anxiety in children can show up through physical complaints, sleep problems and changes in behaviour, while the NHS also notes that children may become clingy, tearful, irritable or restless. UNICEF similarly warns that occasional worry is normal, but anxiety becomes a concern when it keeps getting in the way of everyday life.

Sandra’s message is that these signals should not be dismissed as a child simply being “difficult”. Instead, they may be a child’s way of asking for help without having the language to explain what feels wrong. She encourages parents to notice patterns early and to support children in building emotional regulation skills, which can help them develop healthier coping habits over time.

That said, experts caution that none of these signs automatically means a child has an anxiety disorder. The Cleveland Clinic and the NHS both stress that persistent symptoms, or those that begin to affect school, sleep, friendships or family life, are worth discussing with a health professional. Early support can make anxiety easier to manage and may prevent problems from becoming more entrenched later on.