It may seem unlikely, but more than ever, children are experiencing stress

Children are like little sponges, observing the world around them even when it may not seem obvious. Which means that they are just as vulnerable to stressors as adults.

Quick Read:

  • Whether it’s school pressures, conflicts with friends or family, or the general busyness of life, children can also go through stressful experiences.
  • In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, this stress can sometimes go unnoticed until it manifests in physical or emotional symptoms.

Why do children experience stress?

Children get stressed for many of the same reasons adults do, but their stressors can be heightened by factors specific to their age and development.

For example, as a parent, you may not realise that your child hears or see conflicts with your partner. Which means that you must be mindful of how you behave and speak around them. Arguing with your partner in front of your kids or openly discussing financial difficulties can create anxiety for them. Children may not fully understand the situation, but they often internalise it, sometimes blaming themselves for problems at home.


Then there are other reasons:

  • School pressures: Homework, tests, and the social dynamics of school can all be overwhelming for children. With increased academic expectations and, in some cases, intense extracurricular schedules, children may feel like they are constantly under pressure.
  • Family changes: Divorce, a new sibling, or a move to a new home can create instability. Children thrive on routine, and when that’s disrupted, it can cause stress.
  • Social interactions: Friendship issues, bullying, or feeling left out at school can weigh heavily on a child’s mind, particularly in the digital age where social media amplifies these interactions.
  • External events: Global issues such as pandemics, climate change, and even news of violence or disasters can affect children. We need to remember that children don’t have the mature emotional tools to process these things, which can lead to anxiety and fear.

How do I know if my child is stressed?

Recognising symptoms of stress in children can be tricky, as they might not have the words to describe what they’re feeling. However, their actions and behaviour often tell the story.

Watch for these signs:

Frequent headaches: Stress often manifests physically, and headaches are common, especially if they’re spending too much time in front of devices or not getting enough exercise or sleep.

Constant illness: Recurring colds, coughs, or infections that don’t seem to go away can be a sign of chronic stress affecting the immune system.

Stomach issues: Stress frequently leads to upset stomachs, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Your child may also lose their appetite or overeat as a way of coping.

Children stress factors

Changes in behaviour

If your child has lost interest in hobbies they used to enjoy, or if they start avoiding playdates and other social activities, it might be a sign they are feeling overwhelmed. Watch for sleep disturbances, as well. Insomnia or frequent nightmares can be another indication that your child is under stress.

Help at hand

As a parent, it’s important that you watch for these signs and symptoms. If you notice these problems, speak to your child and communicate often to soothe his worries and stress as soon as possible.

Ask him what worries him and be gentle with finding ways to alleviate his stress. If it’s related to school pressures, you may want to get his teacher involved so you get a clearer idea of the bigger picture when you’re not with him.

It’s worth looking at your child’s extracurricular activities – is he overscheduled? Are there too many activities? Speak with him about how he feels about his activities and if he really enjoys them all. Maybe you can consider dropping a few if he’s feeling overwhelmed. Your child, just like you, needs rest and rejuvenation.

Manage your own stress and be considerate of not venting in front of your child. You don’t want your child to feel as if he’s to blame for your issues.

Schedule relaxation time for the family. Make this a time for talking and sharing feelings, worries and fears. By communicating often with your child, you can recognise the symptoms of stress early on, and take proactive steps to help them.

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