Too much stress can take a toll on your child’s or teen’s mental and physical health. Pediatrician Rachel Wiese shares the most common signs of stress in school-age children, how to help your child navigate academic anxiety and when to seek support.
Not all stress is bad
First things first: Not all stress and anxiety are bad — in fact, they’re a very normal part of life.
“Sometimes school-related anxiety can be motivating,” says Wiese. “For example, math competitions, goals within a study group and getting a good grade after studying are all ‘positive anxiety’ goals.”
While it’s normal for your child to stress or worry when preparing for a big test, you don’t want them to feel constant pressure throughout the school year.
Signs of stress in school-age children
If your child is under too much pressure or exhibiting frequent signs of stress, they may experience physical and mental health symptoms.
“The signs of stress in kids and teens can be subtle,” says Wiese. “Declining grades is the most common sign, but children can often have physical complaints like abdominal pain and headache. They may also withdraw from friends they were previously close to at school.”
The signs of stress in kids and teens can be subtle. Declining grades is the most common sign, but children can often have physical complaints like abdominal pain and headache. They may also withdraw from friends they were previously close to at school.
How to help your child handle academic stress
Children respond to stress in different ways, and some responses are more productive than others. Check out our podcast for mindfulness strategies you can use with your kids to help alleviate stress.
When to seek help for academic stress
Wiese recommends talking with your child’s pediatrician or a licensed therapist if your child consistently exhibits any of the following signs of poor mental health, which may include:
“The early identification of mental health struggles is so important in our children,” says Wiese. She recommends finding a therapist who works with children and teens and offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Excerpted from “Under pressure: Helping your child or teen cope with school-related stress” from Atrium Health. Read the full post for additional details and strategies.
Source: Atrium Health | Under pressure: Helping your child or teen cope with school-related stress, https://atriumhealth.org/dailydose/2024/03/28/stressmental-health | © 2024 Atrium Health, Retrieved August 2024
