In this episode of Playful Beginnings, Dr. Kristie Opiola and Dr. Maggie Parker shift the spotlight to one of the most common—yet frequently misunderstood—experiences in childhood: Anxiety.

While anxiety is a universal human emotion, it wears many different "masks" in the playroom and at home. This episode explores the nuance of the anxious child, moving beyond the stereotype of the "worried kid" to look at the physiological and developmental realities of a child in a state of alarm.

The Developmental Spectrum of Anxiety

The hosts break down how anxiety evolves as a child grows. Understanding these developmental markers helps parents and therapists distinguish between "typical" growth-related fears and anxiety that requires therapeutic intervention.