At a glance
- Anxiety may appear as worry, irritability, stomach aches, trouble sleeping or avoiding activities. Physical symptoms deserve attention rather than being dismissed. The key question is whether fear interferes with school, relationships or ordinary daily life.
- Listen without minimizing the fear. Build predictable sleep and activity routines, practice calm breathing and agree small manageable steps toward feared activities. Coordinate with school and the clinician. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help; this diary is not a diagnostic questionnaire.
- Arrange assessment when worries persist, worsen or disrupt functioning. Sudden severe behavior changes or inability to eat/drink need prompt help. If the child may hurt themselves or someone else, stay with them and seek emergency assistance immediately.
- Note the pattern below and bring your questions and current medicines to the visit. This record does not diagnose or choose treatment.
- This guide organizes warning signs; it cannot rule out illness. Follow the child’s clinician and local guidance.
What this can mean
Anxiety may appear as worry, irritability, stomach aches, trouble sleeping or avoiding activities. Physical symptoms deserve attention rather than being dismissed. The key question is whether fear interferes with school, relationships or ordinary daily life.
Practical next steps
Listen without minimizing the fear. Build predictable sleep and activity routines, practice calm breathing and agree small manageable steps toward feared activities. Coordinate with school and the clinician. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help; this diary is not a diagnostic questionnaire.
Notice, act, reassess
- Worry, physical symptoms, activities avoided, coping step and school impact
- Listen without minimizing the fear. Build predictable sleep and activity routines, practice calm breathing and agree small manageable steps toward feared activities. Coordinate with school and the clinician. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help; this diary is not a diagnostic questionnaire.
- Arrange assessment when worries persist, worsen or disrupt functioning. Sudden severe behavior changes or inability to eat/drink need prompt help. If the child may hurt themselves or someone else, stay with them and seek emergency assistance immediately.
When to seek help
Arrange assessment when worries persist, worsen or disrupt functioning. Sudden severe behavior changes or inability to eat/drink need prompt help. If the child may hurt themselves or someone else, stay with them and seek emergency assistance immediately.
Call local emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue/gray lips, collapse, a seizure with failure to recover, or a child who is very difficult to wake. Do not delay to complete this tool.
A baby younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher needs urgent medical assessment, even if they look well. Do not delay assessment to try medicine or complete a diary.
Prepare for the visit
Note the pattern below and bring your questions and current medicines to the visit. This record does not diagnose or choose treatment.
- Worry, physical symptoms, activities avoided, coping step and school impact
Common questions
What does this pattern mean?
Anxiety may appear as worry, irritability, stomach aches, trouble sleeping or avoiding activities. Physical symptoms deserve attention rather than being dismissed. The key question is whether fear interferes with school, relationships or ordinary daily life.
What can families do next?
Listen without minimizing the fear. Build predictable sleep and activity routines, practice calm breathing and agree small manageable steps toward feared activities. Coordinate with school and the clinician. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help; this diary is not a diagnostic questionnaire.
When should we seek medical help?
Arrange assessment when worries persist, worsen or disrupt functioning. Sudden severe behavior changes or inability to eat/drink need prompt help. If the child may hurt themselves or someone else, stay with them and seek emergency assistance immediately.
What should I write down?
Worry, physical symptoms, activities avoided, coping step and school impact
Sources
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above; checked October 2026. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.