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Learn what stress is and how it can help you or hurt you. Find out how to cope with stress and get help if you need it.
Stress is a normal reaction that everyone feels at some point in life. Stress affects everyone in different ways. When there is stress, the brain sends out signals throughout the body and causes changes. Sometimes a person’s heart beats faster or he or she breathes faster or even sweats. Stress can give someone a headache or a stomachache.
Stress is a common feeling we get when we feel under pressure, overwhelmed or unable to cope. Learn what causes stress in children, how to recognize the signs and symptoms, and how to help your child cope with it.
- Overview
- Signs of stress in children
- Potential causes of stress for children
- How to help a stressed-out child
- When to contact a doctor
- Summary
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Stress in children may cause them to regress in behavior, withdraw, have heightened emotional responses, or become more fearful. Caregivers can encourage rest, fun, and positive thinking to help a stressed child.
Some stress can be positive in the short term, such as the temporary stress that motivates a child to study for an exam or get to school on time. However, chronic stress is long lasting and can negatively affect physical and mental health.
Children may experience stress due to changes at home or school, life events, or pressure to meet expectations.
This article looks at signs of stress in children, potential causes of stress, and how to support a child who is experiencing stress.
0–3 years
Children up to 3 years old may show stress in the following ways: •clinging to a caregiver more than usual •changes to eating or sleeping patterns •returning to behaviors they had when younger •irritability •hyperactivity •becoming more demanding •becoming more fearful or wary of things •crying more frequently
4–6 years
Children between 4 and 6 years old may show stress by: •clinging to adults •changes to eating or sleeping patterns •returning to behaviors they had when younger •irritability •reduced concentration •being more hyperactive or more inactive •stopping playing or talking •taking on adult roles •increased anxiety or worry
7–12 years
Children between 7 and 12 years old may show stress in the following ways: •changes in eating or sleeping patterns •irritability •concern over others who stress may also affect •becoming withdrawn •increased fearfulness •aggression •restlessness •poor concentration and memory •feelings of guilt or self-blame •repetitive play or frequently talking about stressful events
Potential causes of stress in children include the following:
•tension at home
•parent or caregiver divorce
•loss
•changes, even if seemingly positive, such as moving house and getting a new sibling or a new stepparent
•making friends at school
Ways to support and help a stressed child can include the following:
•Promote healthy habits: Help a child to stick to healthy habits, such as regular eating and sleeping schedules. Children aged 6–10 need 9–12 hours of sleep, and teenagers need 8–10 hours of sleep each night.
•Encourage rest and fun: Enjoyable activities may help children cope with stress better. This can include playing, exercising, being outdoors, and spending time with friends. Getting enough rest is also important.
•Be aware of triggers: Help a child to notice and track when they feel stressed and if there are any patterns. This may help children and caregivers feel more able to prevent and deal with stress.
•Give emotional support: Give a child extra time, attention, and love. Ask how they feel and listen to them, respond with kindness, and offer reassurance.
•Monitor symptoms: Notice how stress is affecting a child emotionally, mentally, and physically.
If people have concerns that a child is experiencing significant, frequent stress, they can talk with a healthcare professional. Speaking with a doctor or mental health professional can help people seek specific support for a child.
Mental health professionals can help people identify sources of stress and develop positive coping tools to help relieve symptoms.
Stress can affect children in different ways, but it may cause changes in their mood, behavior, daily habits, relationships, and school performance.
Children may experience stress for a range of reasons, such as expectations from school or home, peer pressure, or traumatic events. Even positive changes can cause stress for children.
Giving a child extra love and support can help reassure them, and helping them to find positive coping tools for dealing with stress may help ease symptoms.
If people have concerns about ongoing or severe symptoms of stress in a child, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.
Stress is a natural response to challenges, but too much stress can harm children's health and well-being. Learn how to recognize the signs of stress in children of different ages and how to support them with healthy habits, emotional support, and relaxation techniques.
- Beth Sissons
At a glance. Good stress is when kids confront a challenge they believe they can rise to. Bad stress happens when kids face a problem they think they can’t solve or succeed at. When kids have support, they’re more likely to feel good stress. When people say they’re stressed, it’s usually not a good thing. But stress isn’t always bad.
Jul 13, 2022 · What are stressors in child development? Stressors can be emotional, physical, or environmental, all of which can equally impact the child’s stress response. Severe stressors in a...
