As a parent, your deepest instinct is to protect your child from distress. And when summer rolls in—with its bright skies, popsicles, and pool days—it brings a fresh batch of both magic and meltdowns.

Your instinct is to help them feel safe. Maybe you offer constant reassurance, answer every anxious question with extra patience, or agree to skip the BBQ, the pool party, or the overnight trip. Maybe you keep tight to your usual routines—even when the season invites spontaneity.

But what if some of those loving efforts to reduce their anxiety are actually helping it grow?

Why are some kids more anxious than others? Anxious children tend to overestimate the likelihood and severity of negative outcomes while undervaluing positive possibilities. Understanding their thought patterns and validating their fears is the first step to helping them face and manage anxiety effectively.