The Connection Between Anxiety and Learning Struggles in Kids
As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to watch your child struggle—especially when it feels like you can’t quite pinpoint the cause. You may see them sitting at the kitchen table, staring at their homework, frustration creeping in as they erase the same math problem for the fifth time. They say things like, “I don’t get it,” or “I can’t do this,” and you feel helpless, wondering if it’s just a matter of them not trying hard enough.
But what if the issue isn’t as simple as not understanding the material or being lazy? What if there’s something deeper happening inside their mind—something you can’t always see, but something that’s affecting their ability to focus, process, and perform in school?
It’s a tough reality for many parents: your child may be struggling with more than just academic challenges. Anxiety, often hiding in the background, could be playing a major role in making school feel overwhelming. It’s not just about feeling nervous before a test. Anxiety in kids can feel like a heavy weight on their shoulders, making it hard to concentrate, remember things, or even try new things. And as a parent, it’s incredibly difficult to watch your child try their best and still feel like they’re falling short.
If this sounds familiar, please know that you are not alone. Anxiety and learning struggles often go hand in hand, and it’s something many children face, even though it’s not always visible. But the good news is, with the right understanding and support, there are ways to help your child overcome these challenges. It’s not about pushing harder or expecting more—it’s about meeting your child where they are and offering the right kind of support to help them thrive.
How Anxiety Affects Learning
Anxiety is more than just an emotion—it’s a full-body experience that can impact almost every aspect of a child’s life, including their academic performance. I’ve worked with many children and parents who have shared stories that are all too familiar. Perhaps you’ve seen your child freeze up in class or spend hours on homework, even when they’re capable of doing it faster. I want to share a few ways anxiety can show up in learning so that you can understand what might be happening behind the scenes:
The Brain on High Alert
Imagine trying to read a book while someone’s blasting loud music next to you. That’s what it can feel like for an anxious child when they’re in a classroom. Their brain is on high alert, trying to navigate all the potential “threats” around them—whether it’s the fear of being wrong, the worry of being judged by classmates, or the stress of having to perform perfectly. This makes it nearly impossible for them to focus on the lesson at hand.
Forgetting What They Know
One of the most frustrating things for parents to witness is when their child suddenly “forgets” everything they know during a test. I’ve had parents tell me their child loves math, but when they sit down to take a test, it’s like they can’t remember anything. Anxiety can overload the working memory, making it difficult for kids to access information they know well when they need it most.
Avoidance and Shutdown
Some kids deal with anxiety by avoiding the things that cause them stress. It’s easier for them to pretend they don’t care about reading or to “forget” to turn in an assignment than to face the possibility of not doing it perfectly. While avoidance can feel like relief in the moment, it actually deepens the anxiety and makes the learning struggle even harder to break out of.
Perfectionism and Fear of Mistakes
Anxiety often convinces kids that if they don’t do something perfectly, they’ll fail. I worked with a student once who would spend hours rewriting their notes, terrified of even the smallest mistake. The pressure to be perfect can make any academic task feel like a high-stakes situation, where anything less than flawless feels like an insurmountable failure.
Physical Symptoms
Anxiety isn’t just a mental experience—it can show up physically, too. One little boy I worked with used to tell me, “My stomach hurts every morning before school.” If your child is complaining of headaches, stomachaches, or feeling unusually tired, these might be physical symptoms of anxiety that are affecting their ability to concentrate and perform in school.
How to Support an Anxious Learner
If any of this feels familiar to you, I want you to know that you’re not alone. It’s incredibly difficult to watch your child struggle, but there are ways you can help. With a little understanding and support, your child can overcome these challenges and develop the skills they need to succeed—both academically and emotionally.
Here are a few ideas for how you can support your child through anxiety-related learning struggles:
Create a Safe, Predictable Routine:
Kids with anxiety thrive on structure. A consistent routine can help them feel more in control and reduce some of the stress. This doesn’t mean everything has to be rigid, but knowing what to expect throughout the day can provide comfort and stability.
Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps
Big tasks can feel overwhelming, especially for anxious kids. Instead of focusing on finishing a whole assignment, help your child break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. Celebrate each step they complete—this builds their confidence and makes the task seem less intimidating.
Encourage a Growth Mindset
Mistakes are a normal part of learning. Encourage your child to see them as opportunities to grow rather than as reasons to give up. Praise their effort, not just the outcome. “I’m so proud of how hard you worked on this” will mean more than “You did a great job” every time.
Teach Coping Strategies Together
It can be helpful for kids to have a toolbox of coping strategies to turn to when they feel anxious. Teach your child how to take deep breaths, do a quick stretch, or even squeeze a stress ball when they start to feel overwhelmed. You can practice these together, making it a fun and comforting activity.
Consider a Professional Evaluation
If anxiety is affecting your child’s ability to learn, it might be time for an evaluation. A psychological assessment can provide valuable insight into what’s going on and give you and your child a clear roadmap for moving forward.
If you’ve been feeling helpless, wondering why your bright, capable child is struggling so much, please know—you are not alone. So many parents are navigating this same challenge, and support is available. Anxiety doesn’t have to stand in the way of your child’s education or confidence.
With the right tools and understanding, your child can thrive. If you’re wondering whether an evaluation might help, we’re here to walk this path with you. Because at the end of the day, your child is more than their grades or test scores—they are curious, capable, and full of potential. And with the right support, they can shine.
Get Started with Psychoeducational Testing Today
As parents, you want the best for your child—and that often means understanding their unique needs so they can reach their full potential. If you’ve found yourself wondering if there’s something more going on beneath the surface, or if your child seems to be struggling in ways that are hard to explain, you’re not alone. Anxiety doesn’t have to stand in the way of your child’s education or confidence. At Webb Psychological Services, we specialize in psychological, neurodevelopment, and psychoeducational evaluations that provide valuable insight into how your child learns, processes information, and handles emotional challenges.
If you’re wondering whether an evaluation might help, we’re here to walk this path with you. Because at the end of the day, your child is more than their grades or test scores—they are curious, capable, and full of potential. And with the right support, they can shine. With a comprehensive evaluation, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges, and most importantly, you’ll get a clear roadmap of actionable steps to help them thrive.
How We Can Help:
If you're ready to get started, here’s how the process works:
Book an Initial Phone Consultation
The first step is simple—schedule a free phone consultation with us. We’ll listen to your concerns and talk through the challenges your child may be facing.
During your meeting, Dr. Webb will take the time to understand your child’s specific needs. This is a chance for you to share your observations, ask questions, and discuss what you’ve noticed at home and school.
Begin the Evaluation Process
Once we’ve gathered all the necessary information, we’ll begin the psychoeducational evaluation. This process will give us a complete picture of how your child learns and how we can best support their academic and emotional development.
Get the Tools and Support You Need
After the evaluation, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive report filled with clear recommendations. You’ll have the tools you need to advocate for your child and ensure they receive the right support, both at home and at school.
Why It’s Worth It
This process isn’t just about testing—it’s about understanding your child better and giving them the tools they need to succeed. We know that parenting can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure how to help your child navigate their challenges. But you don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s take that first step together, creating a plan that empowers your child to unlock their full potential. Your child is capable of so much, and with the right support, they can achieve things that might seem out of reach right now.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to begin, schedule your free consultation today. Together, we’ll make sure your child has the tools and support they need to thrive academically, emotionally, and beyond.
We’re here for you and your family. Let’s create a plan that helps your child succeed—and feel confident and capable every step of the way.