Edusky Private School · Parents' Guide · Last reviewed: 2026-10-18
- Worry is common in young children, and it often shows up as tummy aches, trouble sleeping, clinginess or using the toilet often.[2]
- In Malaysia, about one in twenty children aged five to nine has a mental health problem.[3]
- Check physical causes first — a urinary tract infection or other condition can mimic worry.[5][7]
- Talk with your child, praise brave moments, and seek help if worry is getting worse or affecting daily life.[1][2]
Young children do not always say "I am worried." Instead, worry appears in their bodies and behaviour. According to the NHS, a worried child may find it hard to concentrate, not sleep well or wake with bad dreams, eat more or less than usual, get angry or irritable quickly, feel tense and fidgety, use the toilet often, be clingy, or complain of tummy aches and feeling unwell.[2]
These signs can come and go.[1] A single bad day does not mean a child is anxious.
Worry is not rare. In Malaysia, the Ministry of Health reports that about one in twenty children aged five to nine has a mental health problem.[3] In the United States, anxiety and ADHD are the most commonly diagnosed conditions among children and adolescents aged 3 to 17, each affecting about one in 11 children.[4] These figures tell us that many families face this question, and that help is available.
Before assuming worry is purely emotional, rule out physical causes. Frequent toilet trips, tummy aches and tiredness can all have medical explanations.
A urinary tract infection can make a child wet the bed or wet themselves and may come with a high temperature.[5]
Type 1 diabetes is another cause to rule out. The signs are remembered as the 4Ts: going for a wee more often, especially at night; being constantly thirsty; being incredibly tired; and losing weight without trying.[7] If you notice these, it is important they are assessed on the same day by a GP.[7]
The Raising Children Network suggests a few practical steps:
- Acknowledge your child's fear or worry, and let them know that most people feel anxious sometimes.[1]
- Talk with your child about their worries.[1]
- Praise your child for doing something they are anxious about.[1]
- Avoid labelling your child as "shy" or "anxious".[1]
- Good physical health is important for mental health — regular meals, sleep and play all help.[1]
These steps do not replace professional help, but they can make a difference while you decide what to do next.
Seek help if the worry is not getting better or is getting worse, self-help is not working, or it is affecting school, family life or friendships.[2] Also seek help if your child's anxiety is stopping them from doing things they want to do, or if their reactions seem unusually severe.[1] In the US, the CDC notes that the first step to treatment is to talk with a health care provider.[6]
If your child mentions physical complaints, see a doctor first to rule out causes such as a urinary tract infection or type 1 diabetes.[5][7]
Yes. Most people feel anxious sometimes, and young children are no exception.[1] Worry often shows up as tummy aches, clinginess or trouble sleeping.[2]
See a doctor if the worry is not getting better, is getting worse, or is affecting school, family life or friendships.[2] If the child's reactions seem unusually severe or stop them from doing things they want to do, talk to a health care provider.[1][6]
Yes. A urinary tract infection can make a child wet the bed or wet themselves and may cause a high temperature.[5] Signs of type 1 diabetes include going for a wee more often, being constantly thirsty, being incredibly tired, and losing weight without trying.[7] If you notice these, it is important they are assessed on the same day by a GP.[7]
Sources last verified: 2026-10-18
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you're worried about your child, speak to a doctor or a klinik kesihatan.
Executive function and self-regulation skills provide critical supports for learning and development.
Signs of bullying include fear of school, sudden loss of friends, trouble sleeping, nightmares, headaches, stomach aches, or absenteeism.
About Edusky: a KPM-registered private primary school (SMIPS JDA1001) in Taman Adda Height, Johor Bahru. Standard 1 to 6 on Malaysia's national curriculum, in classes of about 15, with after-school care until 6pm on weekdays.
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