Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Zulma DiGaudio explains that all children experience some fear and anxiety.  It is expected and normal at specific times in their development.  For example, from approximately 8 months of age through preschool, healthy youngsters may show intense distress (anxiety) at times of separation from their parents or caregivers.  Young children may have short-lived fears, such as fear of the dark, storms, animals or a fear of strangers.

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Anxious children often appear to be tense, and some may want a lot of reassurance, and their worries may interfere with activities. 

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Because anxious children may also be quiet, compliant, and eager to please, their problems with anxiety and fears may be missed.

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Parents should pay attention to their child's fears and early identification of anxiety can help them overcome the problems rather than have worsening problems as they age.

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Zulma then takes participants through some common types of anxiety such as separation, phobia, selective mutism, social, as well as disorders such as obsessive-compulsive, panic and hair pulling.  Descriptions of each are provided in her seminar presentation.​​​​

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Lastly she shares treatments and immediate strategies to help with acutely anxious children.  Descriptions of each are provided in her seminar presentation.