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Signs of stress in a child
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Most of us tend to look back on childhood as the easiest time of our lives, especially when compared to the stress of adulthood. But that doesn’t make your own child’s stress any less real. We tend to forget that our children can be under a lot of stress, and there are many reasons for it. But sometimes we don’t realize it. But stress in a child can be recognized by changes in their behavior and well-being. Here are some warning signs that your little one may be stressed.
[ Sudden changes in a child's behavior
When your child comes home from school or daycare, you may not pay attention to them and not recognize the signs of stress. But it can negatively 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 is already doing well on the potty and then suddenly starts wetting the bed, it could mean that he is worried about something. Nightmares are also a sign of stress, often hidden, which the child himself may not be aware of. Some children return to the habit of thumb sucking, even if they are already at the happy age of elementary school.
Twirling your hair, picking your nose can also be perceived as additional signs of stress. Sudden mood swings, fits of anger and sleep disturbances can also be indicators of stress.
Physical symptoms of stress
Sometimes children simply feel physically sick from stress. This can manifest as a stomach ache or headache. Stress can also cause problems concentrating at school. The child may have poor sleep and tire quickly.
Other Signs of Childhood Stress
Researchers have found that children who are bullied by their peers at school also experience a lot of stress. Another reaction may be that children at school or kindergarten may lash out at other children. This is also a way of responding to stress. Chronic lying and defiant behavior may also indicate stress.
By doing this, the child wants to emphasize what they want as a mother or father. The child may not be able to do something in kindergarten or school, but they do not want to talk about their failures, so they lie to their parents.
They may overreact to criticism or their own failures. Being aggressive in class may be an indicator that the child is not comfortable at school. If this happens, the child is most likely acting out of spite because he or she does not want to be at school, which is one of the most common sources of stress for the child.
Coping with Childhood Stress
Once you know your child is stressed, you need to sit down and talk to them. One common source of stress in children is an overly busy schedule and a too-busy curriculum. Between school, sports, extracurricular activities, and little free time, children can become overwhelmed. Their psyche can’t handle it. Talk to your child about adjusting their schedule or cutting back on a few activities to reduce their stress levels.
Lack of exercise can sometimes also increase a child's stress levels. You'd be surprised to learn how just an hour or two of playing in the yard after school with Mom and Dad can add to everyone's enjoyment and relieve stress.
To make sure your child feels supported, make sure your child knows that you are available whenever they want to talk to you about their problems. Let them also know that their problems are important to you and that they can be solved. Stress is a normal part of life. If parents help their child cope with it, they will grow up much more confident and successful.