5 Things Parents Do That Can Lead to Anxiety in Kids
Ananya Mishra | Mon, 10 Nov 2025
Parents always want the best for their children, but sometimes they make mistakes without realizing it. Constant comparison, high expectations or harsh discipline can make kids anxious and lower their confidence. Lack of emotional support or being too protective can also affect their mental health. Every child needs to feel loved, understood, and accepted. When parents choose patience, kindness and open communication, children grow up feeling secure, confident and emotionally strong.
Anxiety in Kids
( Image credit : Freepik )
A person's childhood is a big part of their lives. It plays an important role in shaping the personality and future of a child. The way a parent treats their kid is also part of it. Every parent wants the best for their child, but sometimes they can make mistakes that can make the child nervous.
When these mistakes are made continuously it can lead to anxiety. It is best to avoid such actions and treat the child with kindness and empathy.
Parents commonly start comparing their child with their siblings, cousin or friends, whether its for grades or other extracurricular activities. The intention might not be negative but the impact is. The kid can become insecure over time.
Every child is unique and has different talents and parents should focus on polishing this.
Everyone wants their child to perform well and be the best. But even if a child is underperforming sometimes they should be equally supportive. Parents should appreciate their child’s efforts and celebrate small wins too. Failure also teaches important lessons and the parent should encourage their child, not demotivate them.
Listening to kids is very important. It will help them open up and talk about their feelings without any fear. But if they feel unheard they start shutting them up and stop sharing their problems all together. It can lead to a life long habit of bottling emotions up which is not good.
In difficult times, children also need extra love, support and patience. Communicating with the child every now and then and asking how things are going on can be a start.
Every parent is protective towards their kid but sometimes it might cross the line. Overprotectiveness can lead to creating anxiety and fear among kids. It prevents them from becoming independent and ready for the world out there.
The child should be taught small responsibilities starting young so they become mature and confident as they grow up.
Some parents use techniques like yelling and punishing to discipline their child, even for very insignificant mistakes. Mistakes should not be overlooked, but parents should remember that after all they are made by just a kid. Kids are going to act like kids. It is important to communicate with them in a calm and patient tone to make them understand what is wrong and what is right.
Parenting may be hard because children’s minds are fragile. Even a small mistake can lead to bigger problems. They should be treated with love, kindness, patience and empathy. This will make them become confident and happy.
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When these mistakes are made continuously it can lead to anxiety. It is best to avoid such actions and treat the child with kindness and empathy.
Comparison With Others
Comparison
( Image credit : Freepik )
Parents commonly start comparing their child with their siblings, cousin or friends, whether its for grades or other extracurricular activities. The intention might not be negative but the impact is. The kid can become insecure over time.
Every child is unique and has different talents and parents should focus on polishing this.
Pressure to Be Perfect
Pressure
( Image credit : Freepik )
Everyone wants their child to perform well and be the best. But even if a child is underperforming sometimes they should be equally supportive. Parents should appreciate their child’s efforts and celebrate small wins too. Failure also teaches important lessons and the parent should encourage their child, not demotivate them.
Lack of Emotional Support
Emotional Support
( Image credit : Freepik )
Listening to kids is very important. It will help them open up and talk about their feelings without any fear. But if they feel unheard they start shutting them up and stop sharing their problems all together. It can lead to a life long habit of bottling emotions up which is not good.
In difficult times, children also need extra love, support and patience. Communicating with the child every now and then and asking how things are going on can be a start.
Overprotectiveness
Overprotectiveness
( Image credit : Freepik )
Every parent is protective towards their kid but sometimes it might cross the line. Overprotectiveness can lead to creating anxiety and fear among kids. It prevents them from becoming independent and ready for the world out there.
The child should be taught small responsibilities starting young so they become mature and confident as they grow up.
Harsh Discipline and Criticism
Harsh Discipline
( Image credit : Freepik )
Some parents use techniques like yelling and punishing to discipline their child, even for very insignificant mistakes. Mistakes should not be overlooked, but parents should remember that after all they are made by just a kid. Kids are going to act like kids. It is important to communicate with them in a calm and patient tone to make them understand what is wrong and what is right.
Parenting may be hard because children’s minds are fragile. Even a small mistake can lead to bigger problems. They should be treated with love, kindness, patience and empathy. This will make them become confident and happy.
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can parents cause social anxiety in children?
Yes, when children are constantly criticized or not encouraged to interact freely, they may develop social anxiety or fear of expressing themselves. - What type of parenting causes anxiety in children?
Strict, overprotective, or overly critical parenting can lead to anxiety. Kids need love, patience and open communication to feel safe and confident. - What causes anxiety in children?
Anxiety in children can be caused by pressure, comparison, fear of failure or lack of emotional support. It can also happen when kids feel unheard or misunderstood.
