Securely Attached

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

Securely Attached

Show Notes

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

πŸ‘‰πŸ» 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!

More from Securely Attached

Oct 20, 2026

Sam Kelly, author of Notice and Do, and I talk about why simply assigning chores may not be enough. While chores can teach responsibility, they often overlook an important first step. Before kids can take initiative, they have to learn how to notice what needs their attention without waiting for us to point it out.

Oct 13, 2026

Dr. Adam McCormick, professor, social worker, and author joins me to explore what happens to boys' emotional worlds as they grow up, and how parents can help their sons stay connected to the parts of themselves they may otherwise learn to hide.

Oct 6, 2026

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

Sep 29, 2026

Author, speaker, and neuroscience educator Sarah Peyton joins me to explore what happens when attachment theory, Nonviolent Communication, and the science of resonance come together.

Sep 22, 2026

Dr. Niobe Way, developmental psychologist and bestselling author, sits down with me to explore why meaningful connection is so essential for our children, and what may be getting in the way of their natural capacity to build it. Drawing on decades of research with children and adolescents, Dr. Way challenges some of our most deeply held assumptions about what kids need to thrive and offers a hopeful look at the skills they already possess.

See all episodes β†’