How Anxiety Shows Up in Latino Children: What Every Parent Should Know
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in children, but it often goes unnoticed—especially in Latino communities. Many of us were raised to “tough it out,” not talk about emotions, or assume our children are just being “nerviosos.” But anxiety is real, and it deserves attention.
As a bilingual therapist, I want to help you recognize how anxiety shows up in children, especially in culturally specific ways. When we recognize the signs, we can offer real help.
1. Anxiety Doesn’t Always Look Like Fear
Children don’t always say “I’m anxious.” Instead, they might:
Get stomachaches or headaches with no clear cause
Avoid school or activities they used to enjoy
Cry easily or act out at home
Have trouble sleeping or eating
Become overly clingy or need constant reassurance
In Latino families, this might get labeled as “caprichoso” or “malcriado,” when it’s actually a sign of distress.
2. Cultural Factors Can Mask Anxiety
In many Latino households, children are taught to be respectful, obedient, and strong. These values are beautiful, but sometimes children feel pressure to hide their emotions to avoid burdening their parents.
Studies show that Latino children often underreport emotional problems out of fear of worrying their families or appearing disrespectful (García Coll & Magnuson, 2005). That means parents need to look deeper and invite open conversation.
3. The Role of Family and Faith
Strong family bonds and spirituality can be powerful sources of support. You can use those strengths to help your child feel safe by:
Talking openly about emotions during meals or bedtime
Reassuring them that it's okay to feel nervous, sad, or afraid
Praying together or using faith-based language to provide comfort and stability
4. When to Seek Help
If anxiety begins to impact your child’s daily life—like refusing to go to school, withdrawing socially, or having panic attacks—it’s time to seek support from a mental health professional.
Bilingual therapy that understands your values and culture can make a big difference. Therapy doesn't mean your child is "broken"—it means you care enough to get them tools to thrive.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety is treatable. When you recognize the signs and respond with love and understanding, you give your child the gift of emotional safety.
Schedule an appointment today with one of our bilingual counselors at Vida Collective, or call us to learn more about how we can support your child’s emotional wellness.