Anxiety  

Evidence  

The Relationship Between Early Term Birth and the Risk of Later Childhood Mental Disorders Within a Pregnancy Cohort 

Galbally M, Watson SJ, Newnham J, White S, Watkins A, Lewis AJ. 

Abstract: Infants born prematurely are more likely to develop anxiety disorders later in life, research from Monash University’s School of Clinical Sciences, and published in the Journal of Child Psychiatry and Human Development has found. 

The research shows babies born early have a heightened risk of developing psychiatric disorders, with a majority of cases manifesting as anxiety disorders. 

Education 

All children feel anxious, worried or unsure at times. It is a normal part of growing up. For toddlers, anxiety often happens when something feels new, different, or hard to understand. This might include meeting new people, being away from their caregivers or going to sleep. 

At this age, children are still learning about the world. They do not yet understand that they are safe in every situation, so their feelings can feel big and overwhelming. 

Most anxiety in toddlers is a normal stage of development and will improve as they grow. Toddlers cannot always explain how they feel. Instead, they show you through their behaviour. 

Your child might: 

• Cry often or have frequent expressions of big feelings 

• Need lots of physical contact (hugs/cuddles) and not want you to leave their side (or sight). 

• Experience difficulties from transitioning from one activity or routine to the next, or, finishing an activity e.g. a play date.  

• Be reserved or become withdrawn or upset around new people or places  

• Have trouble sleeping or wake often at night  

• Be scared of the dark, animals, or loud noises. Things that they previously coped with well or ok, might now worry them.  

• Struggle to separate from you when attending daycare or engaging in play activities.  

• Ask for reassurance again and again  

• Complain of tummy aches or feeling unwell 

Anxiety is not bad behaviour. It is a sign your child needs comfort and support. Children need to feel ‘seen, safe, soothed and secure’.  

Toddlers are still learning how to manage big feelings and do not yet have the words to explain their worries. They feel safest with familiar people and consistent routines and can become overwhelmed easily. What may look like “acting out” is often your child feeling unsure or scared. 

Empowerment  

Creating a sense of safety through regular routines, such as familiar mealtime routines, sleep and play, helps your child know what to expect. Staying calm and using a gentle, reassuring voice shows your child that they are safe, even when they feel unsure. ‘You’re calm becomes their calm’, and whilst this can sometimes feel difficult in the moment, being present to validate your child’s feelings, helps them learn how to regulate their emotions.  

It can also help to name your child’s feelings, such as saying “I can see you feel scared” or “That was a big noise,” so they begin to understand what their emotions are, and what they mean.  

Offering comfort through hugs, sitting close, or having a favourite toy or blanket nearby can provide reassurance in the moment. 

Preparing your child for changes by talking about what will happen next, or visiting new places together, can make new experiences feel less overwhelming. Supporting your child to try new things at their own pace and celebrating small steps helps build their confidence over time.  

When to Seek Support 

Some anxiety is normal. You may want to seek support if: 

• Your child’s worries stop them from playing or learning  

• They cannot separate from you at all  

• Sleep is very disrupted over time  

• Their fears feel very strong or are not improving 

• And if you, the parent/caregiver, are struggling to manage.  

You can speak with a GP, child health nurse, or early childhood professional for support. 

Useful Links 

Miracle Babies Foundation -Preschool Years 

https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/anxiety/gmw7fs 

Emerging Minds 

https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/anxiety-in-toddlers-and-preschoolers/ 

https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/supporting-a-child-with-anxiety/ 

The Brave Team 

https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/ 

Useful Picture Books 

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings Hardcover by Jo Witek (Author), Christine Roussey (Illustrator) 

The Feelings Series by Trace Moroney 

My Calm Me Down Book by Trace Moroney 

The Feelings Book by Todd Parr 

Ruby's Worry: A Big Bright Feelings Book by Todd Percival 

My Many Coloured Days by Seuss 

A DinoFeelings Book: The Worrysaurus by Rachel Bright, Chris Chatterton (Illustrator) 

The Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside, Frank Rodgers (Illustrator) 

Need support? NurtureConnect allows you to connect with our NurtureProgram support team, or call our 24 hour NurtureLine 1300 622 243 or join our Facebook community.

NurtureConnect