00:00Anxiety in kids does not always look like fear.
00:03In Chicago, it often hides behind stomach aches, anger, perfectionism, or I don't want to go.
00:10If a child's behavior feels confusing, these are signs many parents miss.
00:16Worry is normal.
00:18Anxiety becomes a problem when it's intense, keeps coming back, or starts shrinking a child's world,
00:24like refusing school, avoiding friends, or struggling to sleep.
00:28Here are five common signs that get overlooked.
00:32First, physical complaints, stomach aches, nausea, headaches, or feeling sick,
00:38especially before school, tests, practices, or social plans.
00:44Second, irritability or anger.
00:47Some kids don't show fear.
00:49They show frustration, tears, or sudden blow-ups when they feel overwhelmed.
00:53Third, perfectionism.
00:56Erasing homework over and over, refusing to submit work unless it's perfect, or melting down over small mistakes.
01:03Fourth, avoidance that looks like procrastination.
01:07Taking forever to start homework, hiding in the bathroom, forgetting things,
01:12or suddenly needing to do something else right before a stressful event.
01:15And fifth, reassurance that never sticks.
01:19Questions like, are you sure?
01:22What if?
01:24Promise me.
01:25Even after answers, the worry comes right back.
01:39In Chicago, anxiety can build around daily pressure.
01:43Early mornings, heavy school loads, sports travel, long commutes, and winter routines that disrupt sleep.
01:50A child may hold it together all day, then fall apart at home, especially on Sunday nights or before big
01:57school days.
02:19A child may hold it together all day, then fall apart at home, especially on Sunday nights or before big
02:24school days.
02:25What helps most is support plus confidence building.
02:29Comfort is important, but avoiding every hard moment can teach the brain that fear equals danger.
02:36Instead, calm coaching, small, brave steps, and practicing coping skills when the child is already calm can reduce anxiety over
02:44time.
02:45When anxiety is affecting school, sleep, or family life, therapy can help create a plan that works at home and
02:52at school.
02:53Consider professional support when anxiety lasts for weeks, causes school refusal, frequent physical complaints, major sleep disruption, or a child
03:03stops doing things they used to enjoy.
03:05If a child's anxiety is starting to take over, support is available.
03:11River North Counseling Group LLC is located at 405 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 3209 in Chicago.
03:18Call 312-467-0000 or visit www.rivernorthcounseling.com.
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