Q&A: Does my child have anxiety or are they just highly sensitive?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...   Why some children seem to worry about everything, from strange noises to monsters under the bed, even when nothing dangerous is happening. How to tell the difference between anxiety, a highly sensitive temperament, and a nervous system that's simply taking in the world more intensely. Why your response to your child's fears may matter more than finding the perfect explanation or reassurance. The subtle ways parents can accidentally strengthen anxiety, and what to do instead. What behaviors like lip picking, nail biting, or constantly chewing on things may actually be communicating. Simple ways to help your child's nervous system feel calmer without making anxiety the center of attention. When it's worth seeking professional guidance, and why getting support early doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong.   If your preschooler seems to worry about everyday things, startles easily, or always seems to be on high alert, this episode will help you better understand what's driving those behaviors and give you practical, compassionate strategies to help them feel safer, more regulated, and more confident.     REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) with Dr. Eli Lebowitz   👉🏻 Are you parenting a child with anxiety or OCD and looking for tools to support them? CLICK HERE to learn more about Upshur Bren Psychology Group's SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) program or SCHEDULE A FREE CALL to see if it's the right fit for your family.     CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how you can support your sensitive, "spicy," highly emotional child   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the line between supporting your child and feeding their anxiety   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about temperament, personality, and parenting with Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:   Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!