But other times, its not clear that your child is experiencing stress, and you may feel confused.

After all, most children arent able to sit their parents down and tell them that they are stressed.

Not only that, but stress in children doesnt always manifest in the same ways as stress in adults.

stressed child

Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images

If you have asked yourself Is my child dealing with stress?, you are not alone.

But, just like adults, children experience stress in reaction to difficult situations that happen in their lives.

Physical Symptoms

Behavioral Symptoms

Emotional Symptoms

What Causes Stress in Kids?

In certain ways, stress can help children grow and build up someresiliency.

On the other hand, chronic or prolonged stress can create lifelong issues for children.

Thankfully, as a parent, you have an important role to play in how your child manages stress.

Not being able to help your child can cause increased stress and concern.

So you may benefit from receiving additional support for yourself as you help your child navigate this.

American Psychological Association.How to help children and teens manage their stress.

National Library of Medicine.Stress in childhood.

Nemours Childrens Health.Childhood Stress.

Kamis C.The Long-Term Impact of Parental Mental Health on Childrens Distress Trajectories in Adulthood.

Society and Mental Health.

2021;11(1).

doi:10.1177/2156869320912520

Franke H.Toxic Stress: Effects, Prevention and Treatment.

Children (Basel).

2014;1(3):390-402. doi:10.3390/children1030390