Sometimes anxiety doesn’t look like passive worry. It can show up as irritability, arguing, angry outbursts, or more frequent meltdowns.

When your child is having a tough moment, try looking beyond the behavior and asking yourself: What might be going on underneath?

4 Things Parents Can Do:

1. Connect before you correct.
When emotions are running high, start with empathy rather than a lecture.

Say this: “I can see you’re having a hard time. Let’s figure this out together.”

2. Keep routines predictable.
Consistent bedtimes, meals, and daily routines help kids feel more secure.

Try this: Give your child a 5-minute heads-up before transitions, especially when it’s time to stop something they’re enjoying.

3. Make time to release stress.
Kids need healthy ways to work through big feelings, and sometimes movement works better than talking.

Try this: Go for a walk, turn on some music, or spend time playing outside.

4. Set boundaries with empathy.
All feelings are okay, but not all behaviors are. Kids need both understanding and limits.

Say this: “It’s okay to feel angry. It’s not okay to hurt someone.”

Remember:

Your child may not always have the words to explain what’s bothering them. Looking beneath the behavior doesn’t mean excusing it. It means helping your child feel understood while teaching them healthier ways to handle big emotions.

Here’s to Your Well Being!

Maria Antoniou, LMFT
Licensed Therapist