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How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health: Signs of Stress and Anxiety in Children

Why Your Child's Mental Health Matters as Much as Physical Health

As parents, we’re often quick to notice when our child has a fever or a scraped knee. But being equally vigilant about our children’s mental health is just as important.


Modern life can be busy and full of pressures - from school expectations to social changes - and children feel this too. The good news? We can help them build healthy coping mechanisms that reduce stress and strengthen emotional resilience.


When we delay their exposure to overwhelming stress, we’re not shielding them - we’re giving their brains more time to develop. This foundation means they’ll be better equipped to manage challenges calmly and confidently later in life.


Spotting the Early Signs of Stress and Anxiety in Children

Children experience stress differently from adults. Some express it openly through behaviour changes, while others may hold it inside. There is no one size fits all framework when it comes to a child's mental health, but by learning to recognise the signs of stress in children, parents can respond early and support emotional wellbeing before it escalates.


Common signs of stress or anxiety in children include:

  • Complaints of tummy aches, headaches or feeling unwell

  • Irritability, tearfulness or clinginess

  • Excessive worrying or difficulty making decisions

  • Changes in sleep, eating or behaviour patterns

  • Asking repeatedly for reassurance from a parent or familiar adult

  • Frequent questions about time, days or upcoming events

  • Using the toilet more often

  • Reluctance or refusal to go to school

  • Difficulty concentrating or staying focused


Every child is unique, so these behaviours don’t always indicate stress. A tummy ache might be physical or school refusal might relate to friendships or classroom worries. The key is to stay curious, calm and connected - not to jump to conclusions, but to notice patterns and offer reassurance.


child looking sadly at a mobile phone

Creating ‘Stress Bumpers’: Helping Children Manage Stress in Healthy Ways

Think of stress bumpers like the bumpers on a car - they don’t stop bumps from happening, but they soften the impact. These are the tools, routines and relationships that protect your child’s mental health and help them recover from stress more easily.


The strategies we teach children now become their lifelong blueprint for handling anxiety and pressure as teenagers and adults.


Here are some powerful stress bumpers to include in your family’s daily life:

  • Family time: Shared meals, walks and simple connection moments help children feel safe and valued.

  • Play and creativity: Free play, drawing or music help children process emotions and relax.

  • Cuddles and affection: Physical closeness regulates emotions and lowers stress hormones.

  • Rest and downtime: Sleep and quiet time are vital for emotional regulation and recovery.

  • Nature and outdoor time: Time outdoors supports calmness and reduces anxiety.

  • Books and stories: Reading together builds empathy and comfort.

  • Mindfulness and calm activities: Breathing exercises, yoga or mindful moments teach emotional awareness.

  • Friendship and social connection: Positive relationships support resilience and self-esteem.

  • Quality one-on-one time: Just 10 minutes of undistracted attention strengthens your child’s sense of security and belonging.


If you’d like practical ideas for meaningful connection, try my Meaningful Moments ebook - a simple guide for building calm, connection and confidence in your child’s everyday life.


Meaningful Moments - Quality Time Play Ideas
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Building Resilience for a Healthy Future

Supporting children’s mental health isn’t about removing all stress - it’s about helping children develop healthy responses to it. When we model calmness, empathy and balance, our children learn to do the same. By noticing the signs of stress and anxiety in children early and creating strong ‘stress bumpers’, we give them the best chance to grow into emotionally resilient, confident adults.


Hi, I’m Emma, Early Childhood Expert and founder of Everyday. My goal is simple: help parents understand their children better so every stage feels a little brighter. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the extraordinary - it’s about the everyday.


If this post helped you out, I’d love to keep sharing more like it. Subscribe to stay in the loop!


Happy Place Relaxation and Visualisation Audio for Children
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