School Anxiety in Children: Signs and What Parents Can Do

School-related anxiety is common in Canadian children and can manifest in various ways. Recognizing the signs early helps parents provide appropriate support. Signs of school anxiety include physical complaints (stomach aches, headaches) particularly on school mornings, difficulty sleeping the night before school, excessive worry about tests, assignments, or social situations, tearfulness or tantrums before school, avoidance (asking to stay home frequently), and decline in academic performance. What parents can do: validate their feelings (saying \"I understand this is hard\" is more effective than \"there\'s nothing to worry about\"), establish predictable routines (consistency reduces anxiety), encourage gradual exposure (avoiding school entirely can increase anxiety over time), practice coping strategies together (deep breathing, visualization), and communicate with teachers (they may observe things you don\'t see at home). When to seek professional help: if anxiety significantly impairs your child\'s daily functioning (refusing to attend school, persistent physical symptoms, social withdrawal), consult your family physician. They can assess whether your child may benefit from therapy (CBT is highly effective for childhood anxiety) or whether a referral to a child psychologist is appropriate. School counsellors are also a valuable first resource within the education system. *This article is for informational purposes only.*

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.