How to manage toddler anxiety: 3 tips to support your child

Jaimie Bloch

Jaimie Bloch is a leading child and family Clinical Psychologist and the Director of MindMovers Psychology. Jaimie uses her flair for creativity to encompass both holistic and evidence-based approaches that are simple to understand, practical and easily implemented. Jaimie is an expert in developing programs and psychological materials for schools, corporations, online courses and in-person group and individual workshops. Through her experience with private consultancy over the last 13 years, she has developed a deep passion for creating frameworks and tools to support empowering not just children, but parents and the whole family system. MindMovers Psychology was founded in 2015 by Jaimie Bloch, created based on the ideology that we change together rather than in isolation. She has supported thousands of families to navigate the challenges and the balancing act of raising a child and keeping a connected supportive home environment in the modern world. "My philosophy is that knowledge is power. I believe that the knowledge we can learn and gather about ourselves, our brains and others can empower us to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. My belief is that Minds Move Better Together and that with the support of a guiding light, whether that be through a mentor, coach or information, we can feel more connected and enlightened, and ultimately empowered in our own life journeys." Outside of Jaimie's clinic work, she enjoys teaching, speaking, researching and writing articles to support parents and families connect back to their own source of joy through awareness, understanding and empathy. Jaimie melds western psychology, philosophy and neuroscience that is both palatable and enjoyable to engage with and understand.

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Updated on Jun 14, 2024 · 2 mins read

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How to manage toddler anxiety: 3 tips to support your child

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In this article

Toddlers can be hard to manage on a regular day, but imagine adding anxiety and fear into the mix and it can make for a stressful day.

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What is anxiety?

Anxiety is the physiological and physical manifestation of fear and danger in the brain. It is our warning alarm of protection and is a biological function that we need to help keep ourselves safe.

This alarm can become faulty and go off when it shouldn’t. Humans are the only mammals on the planet that can set this biological fear system off by just a thought, so it’s no wonder toddlers can easily feel anxious.

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Anxiety in toddlers

Toddlerhood is a time when there are lots of milestones and challenges. Welcoming a new baby into the family, toilet training and overwhelming schedules can cause stress in these littlies.

The key to supporting your toddler is teaching them skills to manage their own emotions and help them learn to turn their internal danger alarm off.

1. Keep calm!

It can be hard as a parent or caregiver to keep calm when you have a toddler screaming bloody murder. However, research shows that children especially toddlers are highly aligned to parents’ emotions.

2. Emotion coach, validate and accept emotions

Once you feel calm and ready to handle your toddler it is important to connect and accept your child’s emotions. This is not going overboard and making your toddler more worried. It is simply noticing and naming the emotion and validating that it is there. We want to convey that we completely understand, but we can get through this and we won’t let this anxiety stop us from doing things.

3. Watch for meltdown cues and use calming strategies

When you notice the beginning of meltdown cues it’s important to implement any co-soothing or coping strategies. This may look like their favourite song, or it could be you placing your hand over their heart and helping them engage in deep breathing till their heart rate comes down.