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When Anxiety Looks Like Anger


But what does my child have to be anxious about? This is the most common question I get related to anxiety. The answer is often found within interoception. Your child’s body may be sending signals that they interpret as fear or anxiety. They may also be handing tightly to control as this makes them feel less anxious.


Anxiety in children can often masquerade as something else, making it challenging for parents and educators to identify and address. While some children might explicitly express their worries, others may display their anxiety in less obvious ways. In this post, we’ll explore how anxiety in children can manifest as seemingly unrelated behaviors such as anger, aggression, work refusal, non-compliance, lack of participation, or even ritualistic behaviors. Understanding these hidden signs is a crucial step towards providing the necessary support and nurturing a child’s emotional well-being.


Anxiety in children can take on various disguises, and recognizing the hidden signs is paramount in providing effective support. By understanding that anxiety can often present as anger, aggression, work refusal, non-compliance, lack of participation, or ritualistic behaviors, parents and educators can take proactive steps to address the root causes and help children manage their anxiety more effectively.


Open communication, patience, and a supportive environment are key in helping children navigate their anxiety and develop healthy coping mechanisms. By unmasking anxiety in children, we can empower them to build resilience, emotional well-being, and a brighter future. Also, including daily regulation activities can help to increase their capacity to work and decrease their anxious feelings.

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