Anxiety

Practical, therapist-written guidance on childhood and teen anxiety—from worry, panic, and school refusal to social anxiety and perfectionism. Explore how anxiety shows up at different ages and the strategies our Thornhill and Vaughan clinicians use to help kids and families feel calmer and more in control.

23 articles

Latest Blog

Mother crouches to eye level to speak gently with her young daughter holding a stuffed animal, illustrating supportive parenting for a highly sensitive child

Mental Health Parenting Anxiety Child Mental Health Kids

By Young Sprouts Therapy | July 9, 2026

The Highly Sensitive Child: Signs, Strengths & How to Parent Without Walking on Eggshells (A Vaughan Therapist's Guide)

Does your child feel everything deeply? Learn the signs of a highly sensitive child, how to tell it apart from anxiety, and how Vaughan parents can help them thrive.

Young child lying quietly on a couch with a withdrawn, subdued expression

Anxiety Child Mental Health Parenting Mental Health selective mutism

By Young Sprouts Therapy | June 8, 2026

Selective Mutism in Children: When Your Child Talks at Home but Won't Speak at School

Does your child talk freely at home but go silent at school? Learn the signs, causes, and treatment of selective mutism, plus find help in Ontario.

Teenage basketball player sitting alone on empty bleachers, managing pre-game nerves before a competition

Anxiety Parenting Mental Health Teens

By Young Sprouts Therapy | May 24, 2026

How to Help Your Teen Athlete With Performance Anxiety: A Parent's Guide

A parent's guide to spotting and easing performance anxiety in teen athletes — plus what to say before games and when to seek therapy in Ontario.

A child therapist and young boy drawing together at a table with building blocks nearby — supportive, child-centred care for childhood OCD and anxiety in Vaughan, Ontario

Mental Health Anxiety Child Mental Health OCD childhood OCD

By Young Sprouts Therapy | May 19, 2026

Signs of OCD in Children: What Parents Often Miss (Beyond Handwashing)

OCD in kids often looks nothing like handwashing. A Vaughan therapist explains hidden signs of childhood OCD, the family accommodation trap, and ERP treatment.

Anxiety Kids Self-Esteem

By Young Sprouts Therapy | February 20, 2026

The Surprising Benefits of Imaginary Friends (Backed by Child Psychology)

Are imaginary friends normal? Discover the benefits of imaginary friends, when to worry, and how to respond with confidence.

Anxiety Behaviour Family & Relationships Kids Sleep

By Young Sprouts Therapy | February 10, 2026

Why Bedtime Turns Into a Power Struggle (And the Nervous-System Reset That Actually Helps)

Bedtime power struggles aren’t defiance. Learn why your child’s nervous system resists sleep—and how to reset bedtime with calm, connection, and support.

Anxiety Kids

By Young Sprouts Therapy | January 18, 2026

Winter Blues vs Anxiety in Kids: How to Tell the Difference + What to Do Next

Winter blues or anxiety? Learn how to spot the difference in kids, understand warning signs, and know when to seek support this winter.

Anxiety Teens

By Centres for Health and Healing | December 5, 2025

‘Teen experimenting’? When to worry about alcohol, vaping, or cannabis

Learn when teen experimentation with alcohol, vaping, or cannabis becomes risky. Key signs, how to talk to your teen, and when to seek support.

Anxiety Behaviour Kids Self-Esteem

By Young Sprouts Therapy | November 9, 2025

The Defiance Trap: How to Respond When Your Anxious Child Says “No” to Everything

Learn how to respond when your anxious child says “no” to everything. Vaughan therapists explain the defiance trap and how to build calm, cooperation, and confidence.

Anxiety School & Learning Family & Relationships Mental Health Parenting

By Young Sprouts Therapy | October 12, 2025

School Refusal & School Avoidance in Vaughan | Help Your Child Return to School

Worried your child is refusing school? Learn how anxiety-based school avoidance is treated through CBT, play therapy, and family support in Vaughan, Ontario.

Anxiety ADHD School & Learning Kids School

By Young Sprouts Therapy | September 3, 2025

Homework Routines That Work for Families

Discover proven homework routines that help kids focus, reduce stress, and build independence. Practical strategies for families in Vaughan and beyond.

Anxiety Parenting Family & Relationships Mental Health Kids

By Young Sprouts Therapy | July 13, 2025

Family Mediation vs. Divorce Court: A Healthier Path for Families

Discover how family mediation helps Vaughan parents avoid divorce court stress, save costs, and protect kids’ well-being. Learn your options today.

Anxiety Family & Relationships Parenting

By Young Sprouts Therapy | May 16, 2025

The Family Guide to Mindful Walks in Thornhill, Vaughan & Richmond Hill

Explore Mindful Walks in Vaughan! Your guide to family trails in Thornhill & Richmond Hill, plus fun activities to reduce stress & connect with nature.

Anxiety Depression & Mood Mental Health Kids Depression

By Premier Spine and Sport Rehabilitation & Wellness | March 19, 2025

How Anxiety and Depression Influence Sports Injury Recovery in Young Athletes

Anxiety and depression can slow down sports injury recovery in young athletes. Learn how mental health impacts healing and discover strategies to support your child's recovery.

Anxiety ADHD School & Learning School

By Young Sprouts Therapy | March 2, 2025

Listening to Music While Studying vs. Silence: Benefits, Cognitive Effects & Best Sounds for Focus

Does listening to music help or hinder studying? Discover how study music affects memory, stress, and focus, plus the best sounds for learning and concentration.

Anxiety School & Learning Mental Health Teens School

By Young Sprouts Therapy | January 30, 2025

How Teens Can Balance Academics, Extracurriculars, and Self-Care

Struggling with academics, extracurriculars, and self-care? Discover expert tips and therapy support to help Vaughan teens manage stress and find balance.

Anxiety Parenting Kids Teens

By Young Sprouts Therapy | January 19, 2025

Helping Kids and Teens Who Cry During Anxiety Attacks: What Parents Need to Know

Anxiety is tough for anyone, but for children and teens, it can feel overwhelming. When anxiety attacks lead to tears, parents may feel unsure of how to help.

Anxiety Parenting School & Learning Mental Health Teens

By Young Sprouts Therapy | January 19, 2025

Teen Anxiety: Dealing with School Refusal

Navigating the ups and downs of teen mental health can feel overwhelming for parents, especially when school refusal becomes part of the picture.

Anxiety School & Learning Kids School Social Skills

By Young Sprouts Therapy | January 19, 2025

Managing Child Anxiety with Insights from Inside Out 2

Anxiety is an increasingly common issue among children, affecting their ability to thrive in school, social settings, and even at home.

Easing Child Anxiety: Strategies for the Back-to-School Season

Anxiety Parenting School & Learning Kids Teens

By Young Sprouts Therapy | July 31, 2024

Easing Child Anxiety: Strategies for the Back-to-School Season

Hello parents of Vaughan and surrounding neighbourhoods! As a seasoned elementary school teacher with years of experience working with kids and teens,

Managing School Stress and Anxiety: Balancing Kids' Tech Use

Anxiety School & Learning Kids School Screen Time

By Young Sprouts Therapy | July 31, 2024

Managing School Stress and Anxiety: Balancing Kids' Tech Use

The rise of technology in our daily lives is undeniable. During my teaching experience transitioning from schools in Thornhill/Vaughan to now in Markham,

Easing Anxiety in Kids: Fun Strategies That Work

Anxiety Mental Health Kids

By Young Sprouts Therapy | July 31, 2024

Easing Anxiety in Kids: Fun Strategies That Work

In today's world, anxiety often disrupts childhood, becoming a more common silent issue among kids. Young Sprouts Therapy is a team of child therapists in Vaughan.

Anxiety in Teens: Signs, Support, and Strategies for Parents

Anxiety Parenting Teens

By Young Sprouts Therapy | July 31, 2024

Anxiety in Teens: Signs, Support, and Strategies for Parents

Anxiety is a common issue in and teens, and it can have a significant impact on their daily lives.