Recognizing and Handling Stress in Your Child

As adults, we know how stress feels. But what about stress in the early years? 

Stress is a physical, mental and emotional response to demands that are greater than our ability to cope. Young children often face external demands or expectations before they are ready to handle them. Being rushed, being pressured to perform, sharing, taking turns, and dealing with change and the unexpected are common sources of stress for young ones. Stress also arises when too many demands are placed on a child’s senses—when things are too loud or too bright, or there are too many people.  

A tired and hungry child will be less able to cope with minor stressful experiences. Even “positive” experiences, like having a new sibling or the first day of preschool, can feel quite stressful. Whatever the source, young children usually have no idea what is creating their stress. They just know they don’t feel good inside. 

But moderate and short-lived stressful experiences are an important part of growing up. They promote strength and help a child build their confidence and learn how to cope with larger stressors in the future.  

These resources focus on how to tell when your child is stressed, common sources of stress, and ways to support your child.