Anyone can experience stress, but we don’t usually associate stress with children. That means that it can be hard sometimes to recognize when your child is feeling stressed. There are a few common signs of stress in children that you should keep an eye out for!
Behavioral Issues
If your child develops new behavioral issues it can be hard to not feel frustration, but Michigan Medicine says it’s important to remember that bad behavior may be a result of stress they are feeling. Children don’t know how to process their stress, so sometimes they act out instead. If you notice your child is acting out it is a good idea to look into what might be stressing them out. Having a conversation with your child can help you to find out what they are feeling and help them to address the stress they have in their life.
Trouble Sleeping
If your child begins to have trouble sleeping, it is another clear sign that they are likely experiencing stress. Their trouble sleeping may appear in a variety of ways, like getting out of bed often or grinding their teeth. According to Maccaro Pediatric Dentistry, teeth grinding may be caused by stress or teeth alignment issues. It’s important to figure out what is causing their stress and to work on removing their stressors. If they are grinding their teeth, you should probably talk to their dentist during their next appointment to look for any signs of damage.
Changes in Eating Habits
Stress can often impact the digestive system, and that can mean that a child will stop eating or experience a major change in how they eat. If you notice that your child is no longer eating like they usually do, or eating a lot more than usual, it may be a sign that they are experiencing stress. Sometimes stress will cause stomach pain or nausea that makes it difficult for your child to want to eat, or on the other hand food can be a way of self-soothing their stress. Parent Circle recommends you help your child identify their emotions and feelings, and avoid using food as a reward or distraction very often.
Dealing with stress is hard for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for children. It’s so important to pay attention to changes in your child’s behavior, so you can quickly help them identify stressors and teach them how to cope in a healthy way. You’ll be helping your child in the here and now, but teaching them skills that will be lifelong!
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