Anxiety in Kids: What to Say (and What to Skip) When Worry Spikes
6 min read
Reassurance can backfire. Here's what helps an anxious child feel held without feeding the fear.
Why 'don't worry' makes worry worse
Reassurance teaches the brain that the worry was correct — otherwise why would mom be working so hard to make it go away? Validation, not reassurance, lowers the alarm.
Phrases that help
- 'That makes sense your brain noticed that.'
- 'Your worry is doing its job a little too well today.'
- 'You don't have to be sure to be safe.'
- 'I'll be right here while it passes.'
When to seek more support
Worry that blocks school, sleep, or friendships for more than two weeks is a signal — not a verdict — that a professional should be in the loop.