Children are very attentive. They pick up on parental stress, even when you think they’re too young to notice.

Kids see how you deal with your problems and use that as a model for their own lives. 

Stressed kids often have physical symptoms that could be confused with other conditions. Symptoms of childhood anxiety include stomachaches, headaches, difficulty sleeping, changes in school and social behavior. They may be unable to express what they’re feeling. Watch for physical manifestations of stress and anxiety.

Look at your lifestyle and pump the brakes. Take one thing off the table to reduce the stress. Spend time enjoying life as a family.

Food is medicine. Sneak in snacks that have extra magnesium and potassium. Carrot and celery sticks have a stress-reducing crunch. Small portions of dark chocolate can help release seratonin.

Listen as Dr. Mark Menolascino joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss signs of childhood anxiety and how to reduce stress for everyone in your household.