5 Common Causes Of Stress Among Children

Signs of stress and anxiety in children often show up as physical or behavioral changes. Children respond differently to stress depending on their age, individual personalities, and coping skills, which can cause many parents to overlook the underlying issues that may be causing their child's behavior.

The source of anxiety and stress in children can be something external, such as a problem at school, changes in the family, or a conflict with a friend. Anxious feelings can also be caused by a child's internal feelings and pressures, such as wanting to do well in school or fit in with peers. Some common causes of stress in children include.

* Big Changes in the Family

Major life changes that can lead to stress in children include divorce, a death in the family, moving, or the addition of a new sibling. These seismic shifts can rock your child’s world. Major life changes can shake your child’s sense of security, leading to confusion and anxiety. For example, a new sibling can make a child feel threatened and jealous. A death in the family can create alarm and grief and may trigger fears about death and dying.

* Parental Instability

Money and job concerns, family turmoil, and parental agitation can lead to an overwhelming sense of powerlessness for children who may feel that they want to help, but don't have the means to do so.

* Overly-Packed Schedules

Constantly running from one activity to another can cause a great deal of stress for children who usually need some quiet downtime every once in a while.

* Academic Pressure

Many children experience anxiety about wanting to do well in school.6 Academic pressure is particularly common in children who are afraid of making mistakes or who are afraid of not being good at something.

* Popularity

For younger grade-schoolers, separation anxiety can be a common problem. As they get older, most children want to fit in with other kids and be like, and the pressure to fit in and be popular can be agonizing. Cliques and the feeling of being excluded usually become an issue once kids enter grade school.