Episode 5: Anxiety in younger children

In this episode of Nimble Youth, host Matt Butterman and pediatrician Dr. Gretchen Hoyle explore how anxiety presents in young children — often in ways that can be mistaken for defiance, avoidance, or behavioral issues. Dr. Hoyle discusses how anxiety can show up as tummy aches, refusal to go to school, or resistance to routine activities, and why understanding the root of these behaviors is so important.

Topics Covered:

• How anxiety in young children differs from what we typically see in older kids or adults
• The role of “felt safety” in helping kids navigate their emotions
• How caregivers can serve as co-regulators for their children
• Signs that anxiety might require intervention
• Evidence-based approaches including therapy and, when appropriate, medication
• Why early intervention is key to better outcomes

Dr. Hoyle also walks us through the treatment landscape, including when therapy alone may be enough, and when medications—specifically SSRIs like Prozac, Zoloft, or Lexapro—might be helpful. She addresses common parental concerns about medication and emphasizes that most kids just want to feel well enough to function, connect with others, and thrive in everyday settings like school.

The conversation also touches on how anxiety and depression can be interconnected over time, and why addressing anxiety early can prevent the development of more serious issues down the line.

Key Takeaways:

• Anxiety in children is common and treatable
• Therapeutic approaches like play therapy can be especially useful for younger kids
• SSRIs are sometimes used in pediatric populations and have been shown to be effective
• Parental instincts are important—don't wait to ask for help if something feels off
• Anxiety and depression can be closely linked; early support can prevent escalation

“Kids don’t want to feel this way. They want to go to school, see their friends. They want to thrive.” — Dr. Gretchen Hoyle

Looking Ahead:

In our next episode, we’ll explore anxiety and depression in adolescent girls. The following episode will focus on boys and young men. These next two parts will dig deeper into how anxiety shows up differently across genders and developmental stages.

Subscribe at www.nimbleyouthpodcast.com so you don’t miss an episode. Show notes and links from each episode are also posted there.

Thanks for joining us. Until next time, remember: raising a mentally nimble child isn’t just about preparing them for the world — it’s about helping them thrive in it.