Why Anxiety Can Make Kids Feel Like an Imposter
It’s normal for kids to feel a little nervous when they’re trying something new; like starting a new grade, meeting new friends, or joining a team. But sometimes, anxiety can lead kids to doubt themselves even when things are going well. They may start to believe they don’t deserve their achievements or that they’re “faking it.”
These experiences are called impostor feelings. They can be tough for kids to handle, but the good news is that with the right support and tools like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), kids can learn how to manage these feelings and build true confidence.
Understanding Imposter Feelings in Kids
Children who experience impostor feelings often have thoughts like:
“I’m not really good at this.”
“Everyone else knows what they’re doing but me.”
“I just got lucky this time.”
Even when they do well, anxiety can make it hard for them to believe in themselves. Over time, this can lead to lower self-esteem, more anxiety, and avoiding new opportunities.
CBT helps kids recognize that these feelings are just thoughts, not facts, and gives them strategies to feel more secure and capable.
How CBT Can Support Kids with Anxiety and Imposter Feelings
CBT is a supportive, skill-based therapy that can teach your kid how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected. It empowers them to notice unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthier, more realistic ways of thinking.
Here’s how CBT can help:
Noticing Unhelpful Thoughts
Kids learn to spot self-critical thoughts like “I don’t belong here” or “I’m not good enough.” Recognizing these thoughts is the first step to changing them.
Challenging the Story
Through gentle guidance, kids learn to ask questions like, “What evidence shows that I worked hard for this?” or “Would I say the same thing to a friend?”
Practicing Positive Self-Talk
CBT helps kids develop kinder, more encouraging inner voices. They learn to say things like, “I worked hard and earned this,” or “It’s okay to be learning.”
Building Coping Strategies
Therapists teach simple coping tools like deep breathing, grounding exercises, or short mindfulness moments to help kids manage anxiety when it comes up.
Celebrating Effort and Growth
CBT focuses on effort, learning, and resilience, not just outcomes. This helps kids feel good about trying, even when things aren’t perfect.
With time and practice, you kid can start feeling more confident, calmer, and more connected to their true strengths.
How Parents and Caregivers Can Support
You play a big role in helping your child navigate impostor feelings and anxiety. Some ways you can support them include:
Normalize the experience. Let your child know that lots of people feel this way sometimes and that it doesn’t mean they aren’t capable.
Celebrate effort over results. Praise how hard they tried, not just the outcome.
Model self-compassion. Talk openly about mistakes and learning opportunities.
Encourage trying new things. Remind your child that being brave is about trying, not being perfect.
Seek support when needed. Working with a CBT therapist can give your child extra tools and encouragement to build confidence.
A Supportive Space for Growth
At Healing Voices Psychotherapy, we know that childhood can come with big emotions and growing challenges. Our therapists use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in a playful, gentle way to help kids understand their feelings, build coping skills, and feel stronger inside and out.
Together, we support kids in finding confidence that comes from within, not from being perfect, but from trying, learning, and growing.
Want to Learn More About CBT?
Contact us if your child is struggling with anxiety or impostor feelings, we’re here to help.
You can also book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our child and youth therapists today. Together, we’ll create a supportive path forward for your child’s emotional health and well-being.
