Preschooler Anxiety: What Parents Need to Know and How to Help

It’s normal for preschoolers to have big feelings or worries from time to time. When those feelings become persistent or start to affect their daily life, it may be time to reach out for extra support.

Recognizing Anxiety in Preschoolers: Common Signs to Watch For

Anxiety shows up differently in young children than in teens and adults. For preschoolers, it might look like tantrums over seemingly little things, trouble falling asleep, tummy troubles or extreme clinging.  Anxiety may be related to certain events or situations and can feel overwhelming for a family when it becomes persistent. Preschoolers sometimes keep their worries inside and the symptoms can be missed, especially if they don’t have the words to explain how they are feeling.

Why Early Intervention Matters for Preschool Anxiety

Catching anxiety early can make a big difference. When anxiety is left unaddressed, it can grow stronger, making it harder for children to feel safe and confident as they grow. Early support helps parents understand what’s happening and gives families tools to reduce worry, build healthy coping habits, and joy in everyday life.

Simple Ways Parents Can Support Preschool Anxiety at Home 

Parents play a key role in helping their preschooler manage anxiety. Here are some helpful strategies:

• Routines: Predictable schedules create a sense of safety for young children. This doesn’t mean a rigid routine is necessary but being able to predict most events their day helps.

• Use Clear, Calm Language: Take a moment to let them know “big feelings” can be uncomfortable but you are there to help them.

• For more book ideas check out your Lacy Timberland Library or Steilacoom Pierce County Library online catalog and search for 

• Co-regulate: Pause and sit quietly with your child so you can both feel more regulated. Sometimes a game of I-Spy or bumble bee breathing can help.

• Validate Feelings: Let your child know it’s okay to feel scared or worried, and that you’re there to support them.

Reading Together: Books to Help Your Preschooler Understand Feelings

Reading with your child has so many benefits, here are a list of a few books that may be helpful for your preschooler. To find the titles listed below check the Lacey Timberland Library, Dupont Pierce County Library, or Steilacoom Pierce County Library catalog online. Once you have a library card it is easy to place a hold on a book and pick it up when it is ready.

• “The Feelings Book” by Todd Parr

• “The Boy with Big, Big Feelings” by Britney Winn Lee 

• “Thank You, Night!” by Dan McCauley

• The “A Little Spot” of Emotions series by Diane Alber are also great options 

For tips on using readalouds for social emotional learning check out my blog on Social Emotional Learning with Read-alouds for 2-5 year olds.

When to Get Consider Additional Help for Your Child’s Anxiety

Social emotional literacy is just as important as any other learning. As a school counselor I often described it as the plate that holds all other learning.  We know that when a child struggles with regulating it is difficult for them to learn. It is never too early to start building skills for social emotional well being.

• Consider seeking help when your preschooler’s teacher, daycare or your family members notice persistent symptoms that you also observe.

• It may be time to get help if your preschoolers' symptoms are persistent and excessive and interfere with their daily life.  

• When you’ve tried strategies at home and nothing seems to work, reaching out to a therapist can help you support your child in learning skills for navigating anxiety.  

• Understanding Anxiety: Parents learn what anxiety looks like, why it happens, and how it shows up in young children.

• Notice how often you see common signs such as trouble sleeping, clinginess, frequent worries, physical complaints like stomachaches or avoiding social situations.

Choosing Between Child Therapy and Parent Counseling: What’s Best? 

It can feel overwhelming knowing what will be best for your child and the needs of each family will be different. Here are some thoughts to consider when you are looking for what might work best for your family :

• If your preschooler has experienced traumatic events, working with a child therapist with specialized training in working with trauma in young children is important.

• Parent therapy helps you understand what anxiety looks like, why it happens, and how it shows up in young children.

• A parent counselor works one-on-one with parents to find approaches that fit their family’s unique needs and help reduce stress in daily life.

• Counseling helps parents feel empowered and less overwhelmed in managing their child’s anxiety.

• Family connection can be strengthened by learning communication skills that create a warm, reassuring environment where anxiety can be gently addressed.

Ready for Support with Parenting?

While Foels Counseling does not provide therapy for preschoolers I support parents in building skills and confidence to support their preschoolers emotional wellness. If you would like more support in parenting your preschooler through anxiety, reach out today for a 15 minute consultation call. We will check in to see if I am a fit for your needs and that you feel comfortable working with me. At Foels Counseling, early parent support is a foundation for growing more joy, calm, connection and CONFIDENCE. 

This blog is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy or professional advice. If you have concerns about your emotional wellness or your child’s mental health, please consult with a qualified professional for personalized support. If you or your child is experiencing a mental health crisis call or text 988.