With parents so stressed in today’s world, it’s sometimes hard to see signs of stress in kids. No parent wants their child to suffer, but kids experience stress more often than we think. Trouble with schoolwork, friends, bullying, or even problems in the family can leave kids feeling overwhelmed, sad, and frightened. Kids can’t always tell us how they feel, so during Stress Awareness Month, look for these signs that your child is stressed.
4 Signs of Stress in Kids
- Changes in eating habits. Just like adults, kids under stress may lose their appetite or suddenly start disliking foods they previously liked. Then, of course, kids get hungry, which doesn’t help them feel any better! Getting plenty of exercise can stimulate a picky appetite.
- Headaches. In younger toddlers who may not have the vocabulary to describe a headache, look for children holding their heads, rubbing their foreheads or temples, crying, not wanting to be held, and wanting to lay still in the dark.
- Behavior change. Kids under stress may be angry, whiny, clingy, or suddenly start acting younger than their age. They may pick arguments with siblings, withdraw from friends, snap, and yell.
- Sleep problems. Nightmares, fear of the dark, and bedwetting are very common signs that kids are stressed. Kids may not want to get up in the morning, or may resist bedtime more than usual. Physical activity, like bouncing around at our Barnyard Bouncin, is a great way to tire kids out and prepare them to get a good night’s sleep.
What’s true for adults is also true for kids: physical activity, socializing, and having fun helps ease stress. A day at Fun-E Farm offers all those things in a safe, clean, fun environment (which also makes parents feel better!). Give us a call or stop by for an open bounce!