How to Recognize Children's Stress and Anxiety

Parents should be aware of the symptoms of childhood stress and investigate potential reasons. Although some kids may have an anxiety disorder and need expert assistance, parents can typically help kids manage their stress and worry.

Two Indications of Children's Stress and Anxiety

Youngsters frequently lack the capacity to articulate their imagined or actual stressful problems, and they may not even be aware of their own anxiety.1 Numerous behavioral and physical symptoms may result from this, and parents might not be sure if they are evidence of anxiousness or another illness.

Children with behavioral or emotional anxiety may behave in ways that are upsetting or perplexing to parents, but it is critical for caregivers to understand that these emotional and behavioral problems may be linked to anxiety.

 The following are some typical behavioral indicators of stress and anxiety:

. alterations in behavior, including irritability, hostility, clinginess, or short fuse

. emergence of an anxious behavior, like biting one's nails

. Having trouble focusing

. (such a fear of strangers, the dark, or solitude)

. Getting into problems at school

. Storing things that do not appear important

. refusal to attend classes

. Getting away from relatives or family

. Physical symptoms are another way that stress and worry can show up. Among these indicators are:

. Bedwetting

. Reports of headaches or stomach aches

. A decrease or an increase in appetite

. Additional physical signs and symptoms

. Issues with sleep or nightmares

Consider whether these symptoms usually appear before or after specific activities, as well as whether there are any physical symptoms—such as discomfort, fever, rash, or diarrhea—that might indicate a medical issue.

Typical Reasons for Stress in Childhood

Children may experience anxiety and tension due to external factors like a disagreement with a friend, a change in the family, or an issue at school. A child's internal emotions and demands, such as the desire to perform well in school or blend in with their peers, can also contribute to anxious sensations. Children frequently experience stress for the following reasons:

Academic pressure: The desire to perform well in school causes anxiety in many kids.Children who are fearful of making errors or of not being good at something are especially susceptible to academic pressure.

Significant alterations within the family: Your child's sense of security can be shaken by significant life upheavals like divorce, a death in the family, moving, or the arrival of a new sibling, which can cause bewilderment and anxiety. For instance, a youngster may feel envious and threatened by a new sibling. A death in the family can cause anxiety, sadness, and even death-related phobias.

Bullying: For many kids, bullying is a major issue.6 It may cause bodily injury and might be subtle or overt. Youngsters who experience bullying frequently feel ashamed of being singled out, and they may conceal the abuse from their parents or instructors out of concern that it will highlight their alleged flaws.

Tragic news event: Children may find it distressing to see news headlines and pictures depicting violence, terrorism, and natural disasters. Children may worry that something negative will happen to them or someone they care about when they witness and hear about horrible news occurrences.

Parental instability: Children who may feel that they want to help but lack the resources to do so may experience an overwhelming sense of helplessness as a result of parental agitation, family strife, and financial and employment difficulties.

Popularity: Separation anxiety is a prevalent issue among younger elementary school students. Most kids want to be liked and fit in with their peers as they grow up; the pressure to do so can be extremely painful. Once kids start elementary school, cliques and the sense of exclusion typically create problems.

Overly hectic schedules: Children who typically want some peaceful respite occasionally may experience significant stress from constantly rushing from one activity to another.

Scary movies or books: Children may experience anxiety or anguish as a result of fictional storytelling. Scary, violent, or unpleasant movie scenes or book passages frequently have an impact on children.

Knowing what can upset your child, limiting violent media content, and sticking to age-appropriate movies, books, video games, and other media are all smart ideas because some kids may be more sensitive to media than others.

Ways to Support Your Child

Your child can respond and manage with stress in healthy ways; they just need some support and direction. Here are several ways that you may assist.

In the House

Establish a calm environment at home and stick to a schedule. 

Create a peaceful, secure, and safe environment in your house.1 Keep an eye on your child's literature, video games, and television programs.

Continue to Involve Them

Give your kids the chance to take charge of some aspects of their lives.

Talk through the new settings with your child and let them know about any changes that are expected.1 For instance, how will they adjust to a new school, new friends, and Encourage your child to participate in sports and social activities where they can thrive.

What You Do

To effectively manage your personal stress, develop healthy habits like exercise and self-care.10 Youngsters frequently imitate the actions of their parents.

Watch for fresh indications and manifestations of unresolved stress.

Develop the ability to truly listen to your child without passing judgment or offering solutions to their difficulties. Give your child direction so they may learn how to comprehend and resolve the issues that are upsetting them.10

Show love and support.

 Make use of disciplining techniques and positive reinforcement that foster a healthy sense of self-worth.1

If your child's symptoms of stress do not improve or if they grow more withdrawn, depressed, or unhappy, you should consult a doctor, counselor, or therapist. Concern should also be raised about issues at school or in relationships with friends or family.

A Remark From Verywell

Today's kids deal with anxiety all too frequently. Younger elementary school students may not be able to completely comprehend or articulate their own sensations when it comes to childhood anxiety.10 It is possible that older children can identify what is upsetting them, but that does not mean they will tell you. It will be easier for you to identify issues before they have a greater influence on your child if you are aware of changes in their behavior.