Signs of stress in a child
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Most of us tend to look back at childhood, as in the easiest time of our lives, especially in comparison with the strain of adulthood. But this does not make the stress of your own child less real. We tend to forget that our children can get a lot of stress, and there are many reasons for it. But sometimes we do not understand this. But the child's stress can be recognized by changes in his behavior and well-being. Here are some warning signs that your baby may have stress.
[Sudden changes in the child's behavior
When a child comes from a school or a kindergarten, you may be inattentive to him and do not distinguish signs of stress. But it can adversely affect other areas of life, causing behavioral changes. They can be one of the surest signs that something is wrong in your child's life.
If your child already walks perfectly on the pot, and then suddenly begins to urinate in bed, this may mean that he is worried about something. Nightmares - also a sign of stress, often hidden, which the baby himself may not know. Some children return to the habit of sucking a thumb, even if they are already in the happy age of primary school.
Torsion of their own hair, picking in the nose, too, can be perceived as additional signs of stress. Sudden mood swings, bouts of anger and sleep disturbances can also be indicators of stress.
Physical symptoms of stress
Sometimes children are just physically nauseated by stress. This can manifest as a pain in the abdomen or head. Also, because of stress, problems with concentration in the school can develop. The child can have bad sleep and fatigue.
Other signs of child stress
The researchers found that children who are experiencing peer abuse at school are also experiencing great stress. There may be another reaction - children in school or kindergarten can attack other children. This is also a way of responding to stress. Chronic lies and defiant behavior can also indicate stress.
By this, the child wants to emphasize what they want as a mom or dad. The child may not be able to do something in the garden or school, but they do not want to talk about their failures, so they lie to their parents.
They may react too sharply to criticism or their own failures. Sharp behavior in the classroom can be an indicator that the child is uncomfortable in school. If this happens, then most likely the child is acting as an adult for spite, because he does not want to be in school, which is one of the most common sources of stress for him.
Combating child stress
Once you find out that your child has stress, you need to sit down and talk to him. One of the most common sources of child stress is too busy schedule and too intense program. Torn between school, sports, extra-curricular activities and a small amount of free time, children can be too overwhelmed. Their psyche does not stand it. Talk with the child about adjusting his schedule or reducing several activities to reduce the stress level of the child.
Lack of exercise can sometimes also increase the stress level of the child. You will be surprised to learn how just an hour or two of playing in the courtyard after school with mom and dad can add to everyone's pleasure and relieve stress.
In order for your child to feel your support, make sure that your child knows: you are available at any time when he wants to talk to you about his problems. Let the children also know that their problems are very important to you and that they are solved. Stress is a normal part of life. If parents help the child with it to cope, it will grow much more confident in itself and more successfully.