<![CDATA[The transition to kindergarten is a critical stage in early childhood development, yet many children experience anxiety that may hinder their social, emotional, and learning adjustment. This study aims to describe the experiences of early childhood children in dealing with anxiety at Dharmawanita 01 Kindergarten in Kapung, identify factors that influence the emergence of anxiety, and understand how children express and cope with their anxiety. The study used a qualitative approach with a phenomenological method. The research subjects were selected using purposive sampling, consisting of 5 children aged 4–6 years exhibiting anxiety symptoms as primary participants, 2 classroom teachers, and 3 parents as supporting participants. Data collection was conducted through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), including horizonalization and textural-structural descriptions. The results showed that children's anxiety manifested in the form of crying, silence, difficulty separating from parents (separation anxiety), and reluctance to participate in learning activities. Factors causing anxiety included a new environment, dependence on parents, interactions with teachers and peers, and pressure during learning activities. Children overcome anxiety through teacher support, parental guidance, playing with friends, and a gradual adaptation process in the school environment. ABSTRAK Masa transisi menuju taman kanak-kanak merupakan tahap penting dalam perkembangan anak usia dini, namun banyak anak mengalami kecemasan yang dapat menghambat penyesuaian sosial, emosional, dan proses belajarnya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan pengalaman anak usia dini dalam menghadapi kecemasan di TK Dharmawanita 01 Kapung, mengidentifikasi faktor yang memengaruhi munculnya kecemasan, serta mengetahui cara anak mengekspresikan dan mengatasi kecemasan yang dialami. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode fenomenologi. Subjek dan partisipan penelitian ditentukan secara purposive sampling yang terdiri atas 5 anak usia 4–6 tahun (Anxiety) sebagai partisipan utama, 2 guru kelas, dan 3 orang tua/pengasuh sebagai partisipan pendukung. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisis fenomenologis interpretatif (IPA) mencakup horizonalization serta deskripsi tekstural-struktural. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kecemasan anak muncul dalam bentuk menangis, diam, sulit berpisah dengan orang tua (separation anxiety), serta enggan mengikuti kegiatan pembelajaran. Faktor penyebab kecemasan meliputi lingkungan baru, ketergantungan terhadap orang tua, interaksi dengan guru dan teman sebaya, serta tekanan dalam kegiatan belajar. Anak mengatasi kecemasan melalui dukungan guru, pendampingan orang tua, bermain bersama teman, dan proses adaptasi secara bertahap di lingkungan sekolah. ]]>
