Anxiety in Children: Creating a Supportive Atmosphere in Childcare

Childhood anxiety is a significant and growing issue in the United States. The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2022 KIDS COUNT Data Book highlights that 12% of US children ages three to seventeen experienced anxiety or depression — a marked increase from 9% in 2016. 

Anxiety in young children can feel overwhelming and confusing, as they may not have the words or understanding to express what they are experiencing. It can feel like a confusing mix of fear, discomfort, and helplessness for young children. As a result, they can feel uncertain and unable to cope with everyday situations, making it crucial for out-of-school time (OST) program staff to provide support and reassurance.

Here are ways anxiety might manifest in children:

• Physical Sensations: Children often feel anxiety physically before recognizing it emotionally, with symptoms like stomach aches, headaches, dizziness, tight muscles, or a racing heart.
• Fear and Worry: Anxiety can lead to excessive worry about things like separation from parents, new experiences, or routine changes.
• Difficulty Understanding Emotions: Young children may feel “bad” or “scared” without realizing they’re anxious, leading to frustration and feeling overwhelmed.
• Limited Autonomy: An anxious child may seek constant reassurance, avoid independent and stress-inducing situations, or retreat into familiar environments.
• Restlessness and Irritability: Anxiety can cause restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and emotional outbursts like tantrums or withdrawal.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) includes mental health conditions like anxiety disorders under its definition of disability. Children with disabilities are legally entitled to the same protections in out-of-school programs as they have in the classroom. However, the effectiveness of these protections can vary based on program implementation, staff training, and available resources. Ensuring equal access requires ongoing efforts to improve awareness and training.

The right environment can make a tremendous difference for a child struggling with anxiety. As a childcare provider, you can create an environment that supports and soothes them. 

Common Signs of Anxiety in Children

Children may show anxiety through various behaviors. For example, you may notice a child in your care displaying signs, including:

• Excessive worry about everyday situations
• Physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances
• Irritability or restlessness

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, understanding the root cause of anxiety is the first step in managing it. Continue reading to explore evidence-based strategies to create a nurturing space that helps anxious children thrive.

Creating a Supportive Atmosphere to Soothe Anxiety

1. Establish Consistent Routines

Stability in a predictable routine can significantly reduce anxiety. InclusionED reviews how consistent routines are associated with better emotional regulation in children.

There are several ways childcare staff can establish routines:

• Daily Schedule: A predictable schedule (e.g., circle time at 7:30 AM, outdoor play at 4:00 PM) and visual timetables help children understand their day.
• Transition Cues: Verbal or non-verbal signals (e.g., songs or bells) and giving warnings before transitions reduce anxiety during changes.
• Mealtime and Nap Routines: Pre-meal handwashing and calming pre-nap activities (e.g., dimming lights, quiet music) create smooth transitions.
• Behavior Expectations: Clear, consistent rules and positive reinforcement foster expected behaviors.
• Morning Greetings and Departure Rituals: Consistent drop-off and goodbye routines ease transitions between home and daycare.
• Structured Group Activities: Daily circle time and themed days (e.g., “Music Monday”) provide predictable, engaging group activities.
• End-of-Day Reflection: Recapping the day and goodbye routines offer closure and ease the transition to home.

2. Create a Safe and Calm Environment

A calm and orderly environment can significantly reduce anxiety. Ensure that the program space is safe and clutter-free. Implement designated quiet areas where children can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.

3. Encourage Open Communication

Encouraging children to express their feelings and thoughts can help them learn to process their emotions. Let them know it’s okay to talk about their worries and fears. Listening attentively and validating their feelings can provide immense comfort and encourage them to work through big emotions.

4. Incorporate Relaxation Techniques

Introduce children to relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and gentle yoga. These practices can help them manage their anxiety effectively. According to the Child Mind Institute, mindfulness exercises can significantly reduce anxiety in children.

5. Promote Positive Social Interactions

Fostering a sense of community and encouraging positive social interactions among children can help reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety. Group activities that promote teamwork and cooperation can be very beneficial.

Check out our Facilitating Peer Interactions course on KIT Academy! Not a KIT Academy subscriber yet? Register now to access our suite of training courses, how-to videos, hundreds of virtual learning webinars, and printable resources.

6. Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement will help boost a child’s confidence and reduce anxiety. Praise and reward them for their efforts and accomplishments, no matter how small, to build their self-esteem.

7. Educate Yourself and Your Team

Stay informed about the latest research and techniques for supporting children with anxiety. Staff training sessions on recognizing and responding to anxiety can ensure a consistent and practical approach. 

Practical Tips for Daily Implementation

• Morning Check-ins: Greet each child warmly and ask them how they feel.
• Visual Schedules: Use pictures and charts to show the daily schedule, helping children know what to expect.
• Quiet Time: Incorporate short breaks where children can relax and unwind.
• Interactive Storytelling: Use stories and books that address anxiety and emotions to help children understand and talk about their feelings.
• Play: Use play to help children express their emotions and reduce anxiety.

For example, role-playing and pretend play can help children explore challenging emotions like fear or sadness. Art and creative play allow children to express feelings they can’t verbalize, offering stress relief. Physical play releases tension, boosts confidence, and helps reduce anxiety. Sensory play (sand, water, Playdough) engages their senses, calming and regulating emotions with soothing motions.

KIT Offers Tools to Help you Create a Supportive Environment 

Creating a supportive atmosphere for children with anxiety involves understanding, patience, and consistent practices. By implementing these best practices, childcare providers and staff can significantly contribute to the emotional well-being of the children in their care. Remember, the goal is to provide a safe, predictable, and loving environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves and coping with their anxiety.

Visit our Children’s Mental Health Awareness blog for more resources and to learn how to help kids navigate their mental health.

Kids Included Together (KIT) has been a global leader in disability inclusion within child and youth programs for over 25 years. Our curriculum, grounded in evidence-based methodologies, equips organizations with practical skills and actionable insights. We are committed to teaching inclusive practices and behavior support strategies to organizations, program leaders, and staff who serve children.