Anxiety
Make a plan for a worried moment
Listen first, check what is true, and work out one next step together.
Information for parents and carers. Not clinically reviewed.
Start here: find out which part feels hard.
Before saying “You’ll be fine”, give your child room to describe the worry. It might be the unfamiliar room, being away from you, or something that really needs changing. Listen without deciding the explanation in advance.1
Does this sound familiar?
Ordinary worries are part of childhood, and none of these moments points to a diagnosis on its own. Look at the effect on everyday life, not just whether your child seems shy.2
- Questions about a new club keep coming at bedtime.
- A tummy ache appears on school mornings.
- Your child wants to join a party but cannot face the doorway.
- One uncertain detail takes over the whole plan for tomorrow.
Try this
Listen before fixing
Ask one open question and wait. A drawing or a few words may be enough. If your child describes bullying, pain or another real difficulty, act on that information.1
Say it like this: “Which part would you like me to understand?”
Separate the plan from the promise
Check practical details with the people involved. Say who is coming and what is agreed. Leave unknowns open instead of guaranteeing a happy ending. Preparation can be useful without pretending you control everything.1
Say it like this: “I’ll walk in with you. We can ask where to put your bag.”
Choose a manageable next step together
Talk about what would help your child take part. Do not force them into a stressful situation without understanding the worry.1
Say it like this: “What would help at the door? Let’s talk to the club leader together.”
Why this can help
Anxiety can affect feelings, the body and behaviour. A truthful plan answers a practical question; it cannot remove every uncertainty. When worry persists, worsens or gets in the way of sleep, school or relationships, ask for professional help rather than adding more promises.2
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Help now
Get help today
If your child talks about suicide or self-harm, seek urgent professional help. If you cannot keep someone safe, use the emergency number below.9293
Finding support: who to ask and what to bring
When to ask
Seek help if worries persist or worsen, everyday life is affected, or the support you have tried is not enough. Repeated pain or other physical symptoms also deserve medical attention.2
Who to ask
- Start with your paediatrician or family doctor; ask about the appropriate local service. For school concerns in canton Zürich, the school psychology service advises parents free of charge.94
What to bring
Bring the child’s words, when the worry happens, changes in sleep or attendance, and any practical concern such as bullying. Explain what you have tried and what your child wants help with.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 27 September 2026. Examples and suggested words are fictional illustrations of the guidance, not tested interventions. Sources do not endorse oneprnt.
- 1NHS: Anxiety in children — listening, preparation and support.
- 2NHS: Anxiety disorders in children — signs and when to get help.
- 3NIMH: Children and mental health.
- 4Pro Juventute: When fears affect everyday life. French-language information for parents of children and young people; its worked example is age 12. It encourages listening and seeking help when worries disrupt everyday life.
- 90Swiss public authorities: Emergency numbers.
- 91Pro Juventute: 147 for children and young people and parents’ counselling.
- 92NHS: Urgent mental health help.
- 93US: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; NIMH: Children and mental health.
- 94Canton Zürich: School psychology service. This local example does not describe every canton’s referral arrangements.