6 ways to soothe an anxious child
Learn how to recignize and manage anxiety in children so they can feel better.
Jan, 2026
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Slide 1
Anxiety disorders can affect children as well as adults. About 1 in 10 children and teens are affected by anxiety disorders, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With teenagers, the number is much higher, affecting about 1 in 3 teens ages 13 to 18.
Anxiety can often occur with other conditions, like eating disorders or depression. It can raise a child’s risk of poor academic performance and, in some cases, substance abuse.
Spotting the signs of these conditions is the first step in getting help. Here are common signs and treatment options for anxiety, plus ways parents and guardians can help anxious children.
Written byTaylor Lupo.
Medically reviewed byAmy Gonzales, MD.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anxiety and depression in children: Get the facts. Page last reviewed March 8 + 7
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anxiety and depression in children: Get the facts. Page last reviewed March 8, 2023.
- Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Anxiety Disorders - Facts & Statistics. Page accessed February 24, 2024.
- Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety in Children. Page last reviewed October 11, 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anxiety and depression in children. Page last reviewed July 25, 2023.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Page last reviewed March 2023.
- The Nemours Foundation. Childhood Fears and Worries. Page last reviewed September 2023.
- La Charite J, Macinko J, Hedrick R, et al. Extracurricular Activities, Child and Caregiver Mental Health, and Parental Aggravation-A National Cross-Sectional Study. Acad Pediatr. 2023 Sep-Oct;23(7):1394-1402.
- Berman, Grace. “10 Tips for Parenting Anxious Kids.” Child Mind Institute. Page last updated January 29, 2024.
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