Anxiety in kids doesn’t always look like worry. Sometimes it shows up as stomachaches, sleep struggles, irritability, or even constant visits to the school nurse. As pediatricians, we know this is one of the most common challenges families face today and parents are often left wondering: Is this normal? Do I need to be worried? What do I do next?
In this episode, I’m joined by pediatrician and author Dr. Natasha Burgert, who just released Managing Childhood Anxiety For Dummies. We talk about how anxiety can look different in kids, when parents should reach out for help, and the many supportive steps families can take before medication is even on the table.
We cover:
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The many faces of anxiety in children (it’s often a chameleon)
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How to talk to your child about anxiety without making it scarier
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Why early screening matters and what those forms really mean (spoiler: not a label)
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Common myths about medication and how SSRIs actually work
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How school transitions (hello, September stomachaches) can trigger anxiety
To connect with Dr. Natasha Burgert check out all her resources at https://kckidsdoc.substack.com/. Follow her on Instagram at @kckidsdoc. Buy her “Managing Childhood Anxiety For Dummies” book here: https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F4dYyaim&e=AT16kIumYZsC0TK4slk9a-qlSR7mzOsrHwpM4fOhdheESkam-cNuVmg2csHv-v6wgf8dHsUidIsW79nQA45rMXUvzxKmwOktxXr63UcHi-2Fxwq2
Another great listen: What is the gut-brain axis and how does anxiety play a role
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0:00 – Understanding Childhood Anxiety: The Great Mimicker
01:21 – Welcome & Why Anxiety Matters for Kids Today
03:19 – Recognizing Signs: What Anxiety Looks Like in Children
08:00 – Talking to Kids About Anxiety in a Supportive Way
09:51 – Screening, Diagnosis & Why Rates Are Rising
17:33 – First Steps After a Positive Screen (Beyond Medication)
21:28 – Medications, Myths & How SSRIs Actually Work
30:17 – Parental Mental Health, Myths, and Back-to-School Anxiety
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