Child Anxiety in Copenhagen: What Parents Might Notice and When to Seek Support

Your child might tell you they’re worried. They might also complain of a stomach ache before school, ask the same question repeatedly at bedtime, or become upset whenever you try to leave.

It can be difficult to understand what’s happening, especially when your child settles once they arrive at daycare or seems cheerful when you pick them up. You may wonder whether they’re anxious, tired, going through a phase, or finding something genuinely difficult.

We start by getting curious about those moments: when they happen, what your child says, and what seems to help.

What can anxiety look like in children?

Children express worry in different ways, depending on their age and how easily they can describe what they feel. Some talk openly about their fears. Others show you through changes in behaviour.

You might notice:

• Repeated questions about whether something bad will happen.

• Difficulty separating from you or needing to know where you are.

• Trouble settling at bedtime because of worries.

• Stomach aches or headaches around particular situations.

• Avoiding school, activities, or time with friends.

• Becoming very upset about mistakes or needing things to be perfect.

• Irritability or outbursts before something they find difficult.

These signs don’t necessarily mean your child has an anxiety disorder. Physical symptoms also deserve medical attention where appropriate. What matters is understanding the pattern and how much it affects their daily life.

When should you seek help?

Consider whether the difficulty is persisting, becoming more intense, or stopping your child from doing things they would otherwise enjoy.

Perhaps they used to attend birthday parties but now refuse to go. Maybe reassurance helps for only a few minutes before the same question returns. Or mornings have become so difficult that getting to school regularly is a struggle.

You can ask for support before you know exactly what’s wrong. Observations from school or daycare can help build a fuller picture, and your GP can advise on concerns about physical symptoms or mental health.

How can living abroad affect a child?

Moving countries can bring several changes at once. Your child may be learning a language, getting used to unfamiliar routines, making friends, and missing people who used to be part of everyday life.

Even after you’ve settled in Copenhagen, there may be moments when those changes feel difficult. Your child might struggle to join a game because they can’t find the words quickly enough, or miss a grandparent most at bedtime.

Children’s experiences vary. Some settle easily, while others need more time or support. We explore what living abroad means for your particular child, alongside anything else that may be contributing to their worry.

What happens in child therapy?

At Village Therapy, we begin by learning about your child’s difficulties, strengths, and everyday life. We also want to hear what you’ve tried and what you’re finding hardest as a parent.

Sessions may involve play, drawing, games, or conversation. We adapt the work to your child’s age and needs, helping them find ways to express their worries and practise handling difficult moments.

The goals might be quite specific: staying at an activity without a parent nearby, feeling more comfortable making mistakes, or managing worries at bedtime.

Parents are involved too

It can be hard to know how much reassurance to give, when to encourage your child to try something, and when they need a break. We can think through those decisions together.

Parent consultations give us time to discuss what happens at home and agree on responses you can practise consistently. Where appropriate, we can also discuss how support at school or daycare might fit into the plan.

If you’re concerned about your child, you’re welcome to contact Village Therapy. We can hear what you’ve noticed and discuss whether child therapy, parent support, or another service would be a useful next step.