It often shows up after school.

A child drops their backpack by the door and heads straight to their room. When asked how their day was, they shrug and say, “Fine,” but their shoulders are tense and their answers are short. Someone didn’t sit with them at lunch. A text went unanswered. A joke landed wrong.

For kids who struggle with friendships, these moments can feel overwhelming, even when they seem small from the outside. Social relationships are deeply tied to identity and belonging, and when something feels off, it can shake a child’s sense of safety in ways they may not know how to explain.

When Social Anxiety Shapes How Kids Show Up

Before a birthday party, a child asks repeatedly who will be there and what they will be doing. As the party gets closer, they suddenly complain of a stomachache and ask if they have to go.

Social anxiety in kids does not always look like fear. Sometimes it looks like avoidance, irritability, or constant reassurance seeking. Kids with social anx...

We often ask, “How are you?” out of habit—an automatic greeting tossed out in passing. But what if we slowed down, asked with intention, and truly listened for the answer? 

In the world of mental health, one of the most underrated yet powerful tools we have is simply checking in. Whether it’s a text, a coffee chat, or a quiet moment of eye contact and empathy, checking in with someone can be a life-changing (and in some cases, life-saving) act. 

The Research: Why Checking In Matters 

We know that mental health isn’t always easy to see. Many people who are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or low may not feel comfortable sharing what they’re going through: a 2020 study found that nearly half of those experiencing depressive symptoms hadn’t told anyone—often because they worried about being judged or becoming a burden to others (Rees & Anderson, 2023). 

The good news is, even one person’s support can truly make a difference. Another 2020 research study shows that feeling cared for by fri...