As a pediatrician, one of the things I find myself talking to parents and caregivers about with a fair amount of frequency relates to signs of stress in children. And as a parent myself, I also need to navigate this topic in my own home.
This new school year has been especially stressful for my own child as she adapts to the new rhythms and rigor of middle school. Additionally, I have had many conversations with parents of my patients as their children are beginning a new school year.
Starting a new school year isn’t the only thing that causes stress in a child’s life.
There are various sources of stress that young children may face:
- Tension at home due family discord or parental conflict.
- Major life events like divorce, loss, or moving to a new home
- Challenges at school, such as difficulty making friends or dealing with bullies
Symptoms of Stress in Children
Most commonly, kids have physical symptoms of stress. Tummy aches and headaches are often telltale physical symptoms of stress in children. I tell parents that “tummy aches” are like a black hole symptom when it comes to kids. It takes a good amount of investigation to understand the cause of this symptom in young children. Often, we will uncover something that is causing stress or anxiety in the child’s life as the cause for these conditions.
Additionally, changes in appetite and difficulty sleeping can also be physical manifestations of stress in children. My daughter is famous for her middle of the night appearances in my room when she is experiencing stress in her life.
Emotionally, children may become irritable, moody, or more tearful. Kids are supposed to be happy and carefree. If you notice that your child is crying more easily or is snapping at their siblings, it may be time for a heart to heart discussion with them. Finding the source of the stress and helping your child to understand their feelings will allow them to navigate a stressful situation.
If you notice any of these signs in your child, it may be helpful to consult with a pediatrician or mental health professional for further evaluation and guidance. At 127 Pediatrics, Dr. Wadley is just one text away when concerns like this arise.
Let’s look at how traumatic events contribute to stress for children.
Traumatic Events and Other Stressful Situations
Traumatic events and other stressful situations can have a significant impact on a child’s overall well-being.
Unfortunately, children may experience a wide range of traumatic events, including:
- Neglect
- Abuse
- Natural disasters
- Violence
These types of stressful events can have a long lasting impact on a child’s development as well as their mental health.
When a child experiences neglect or abuse, their stress response system can be activated, leading to an increased production of stress hormones such as cortisol.
Additionally, traumatic events can have long lasting effects on a child’s development as well as how they interpret the events in their lives. Children who are exposed to these types of events are at higher risk for mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Like we discussed before, kids may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and changes in appetite as they are responding to and processing events that cause trauma in their lives.
It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of these signs of stress and seek support from healthcare providers or mental health professionals when needed.
Let’s look at the dangers of chronic stress in children.
Chronic Stress in Children
Chronic stress in children refers to prolonged and ongoing stress. This form of stress can harm a child’s mental and physical well being. Manifestations of chronic stress in children can show up in many ways such as:
- Sleep disorders
- Eating disorders
- Difficulty with concentration
- Behavior problems
- Depression
Additionally, another major aspect to consider is the impact of ongoing stress on a child’s immune response. Studies have shown that chronic stress weakens the body’s immune system, making children more susceptible to illnesses and infections. Stress hormones have many effects on the way that immune cells function.
Sensitive and Critical Periods for Developmental Stressors
Children are growing and developing rapidly and stressors during these formative years can have long lasting consequences. Toxic stress is a name that we have assigned to this far reaching form of chronic stress during childhood. This kind of stress can alter a child’s brain chemistry and change the way that they relate to others into their adult years.
Short term stress such as moving to a new house or changing schools often does not affect development in a negative way. It is a great way to teach children how to deal with minor stress. Parents can model how to handle stressful situations and help children to understand that life will be full of stressful situations as they grow.
If You Think Your Child is Suffering from Stress
If you think your child is suffering from stress, it is important to address this issue as soon as possible.
The first step in addressing the situation is to identify the sources of stress in your child’s life. Pay attention to any changes in their behavior or emotions, and look out for signs of stress such as difficulty sleeping, mood swings, irritability, or changes in appetite.
Once you have identified the sources of stress, it is important to discuss these issues with your child. Talking openly and honestly about what they are going through can help them feel heard and supported. It is also important to provide reassurance that their feelings are valid and that they are not alone.
If your child is struggling to cope with the stress, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health provider can work with your child to provide support and develop strategies to manage their stress.
As a pediatrician, I can also help by providing resources and referrals if necessary.
By providing early intervention, we can support our children in managing their stress and ensure they have the resources to thrive.
Role of 127 Pediatrics
As a pediatrician who is on call for your family, I can be available to help guide you through hives, allergies and other common childhood conditions. If you are desiring to have a pediatrician that is on call for you and your family, schedule a free meet and greet today.
© 127 Pediatrics; September 2023
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.
Dr. Andrea Wadley is the owner, pediatrician, and breastfeeding medicine specialist for 127 Pediatrics. She has an established house-calls-only concierge pediatric practice in Colleyville, TX. She is also the owner and operator of the 127 Pediatrics Online Breastfeeding Medicine and Education Center.
