Stress in children can often go unnoticed, especially when the signs are subtle or mistaken for other behavioral issues. According to experts, recognizing the physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms early is key to helping kids manage stress in healthy ways. According to the experts, here are a few signs and symptoms of stress in children
“Every child is unique and will display their own personal signs of stress,” Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Separation Anxiety Solution, said in a recent interview with Parents.com. “Parents need to be on the lookout for unusual or suspect behaviors and actions.”
Rene Hackney, PhD, a developmental psychologist and founder of Parenting Playgroups and Parenting by Dr. Rene, agreed with Pantley, adding. “Changes in normal behavior can be significant indicators of stress in young children.”
Take a look at these signs and symptoms, by age group, that may suggest that your child is stressed.
Stressed signs and symptoms for Toddlers and Young Children
- Change in regular sleep and eating habits
- Change in emotions (such as showing signs of being sad, clingy, withdrawn, or angry)
- Increase in crying or tantrums
- Nightmares and fears at bedtime
- Physical ailments, such as headaches or stomachaches
- Anxious tics, coughs, or body movements
- Frequent reliance on habits such as hair chewing or thumb-sucking
- Change in bowel movements
- Avoiding certain situations and people
- Verbal expression of increased fear or anxiety
- Asking more questions (often repeatedly) and needing reassurance
Stressed signs and symptoms for Tweens, Teens, and Young Adults
- Headaches
- Stomachaches
- Nausea
- Sleep issues, including insomnia, hypersomnia, nightmares, and/or difficulty falling or staying asleep Irritability or anger
- Difficulty handling emotions in general
- Educational issues
- Changes to their social behavior; increased difficulty in getting along with others
- Sadness or withdrawal
- Change in eating habits Tics or obsessions/compulsions
Per Pantley and Dr. Hackney, there are many factors that can cause children stress. Some of these include: separation anxiety, family changes or issues, school, being over committed with extra curricular activities, world events, etc.
Pantley and Dr. Hackney both suggest that parents can step in to help children manage and, even in some cases, alleviate their stress by adding these tools to their parenting toolboxes.
- encourage them to “keep calm and carry on”
- teach them how to create and sick to a schedule
- allow time to take a break
- help them to plan ahead and take time to process
- monitor TV and social media exposure
- get moving
- teach additional stress management techniques
- but, most importantly, give them extra love and hugs.