School is a big part of a child’s life, and while it can be fun and exciting, it can also be a significant source of stress. Many kids and teens feel overwhelmed by homework, social pressures or trying to keep up with everything. As a parent, it can be hard to know when your child is having a tough day or when school stress is starting to affect their health, behavior or learning.
Understanding the signs of school stress and how to manage it can help you support your child and get them the help they need to feel better.
If you think stress from school is beginning to affect your child’s everyday life, make an appointment with their pediatrician or family medicine provider.
What is school stress?
Stress is the body’s way of reacting to something challenging. A little stress can help kids stay alert and focused. But when stress builds up or doesn’t go away, it can lead to physical and mental health problems.
School stress often shows up during busy times like the start of a new school year, around test season or when big changes happen at home or in friendships. High school students may also feel more pressure as they prepare for college or future careers.
Common sources of stress in kids and teens
Every child is different, but these are some common school-related stressors:
- Academic pressure: grades, homework, tests
- Busy schedules with too many extracurricular activities
- Difficulty managing time or staying organized
- Friend problems or bullying
- Feeling left out or judged on social media
- Worrying about meeting parent or teacher expectations
- Big life changes like moving, divorce or illness in the family
Even things that seem small to adults can feel very big to a child.
Signs your child may be stressed
Children don’t always say “I feel stressed.” Instead, they may show it through changes in their behavior, mood or health. Some signs to look for include:
- Stomachaches or headaches with no clear cause
- Trouble sleeping or nightmares
- Feeling tired all the time
- Changes in eating habits (eating too much or too little)
- Mood swings, irritability or frequent crying
- Withdrawal from friends or activities
- Trouble concentrating or slipping grades
- Complaints about school or not wanting to go
In younger kids, stress may also appear as clinginess, temper tantrums or bedwetting.
How stress affects health
When kids are stressed for a long time, it can impact both their body and mind. They may have more frequent illnesses, feel anxious or sad or even start feeling hopeless. It can also affect their energy level, self-esteem and motivation to do well in school.
That’s why it’s important to take signs of stress seriously and talk openly with your child about how they’re feeling.
How parents can help manage school stress
As a parent, you play a significant role in helping your child manage stress. Here are some ways to support them at home:
Keep a consistent routine
A regular schedule with time for school, homework, meals and rest helps kids feel secure and in control. Make sure there’s enough time for sleep and breaks, too.
Encourage physical activity
Exercise helps reduce stress and boost mood. Whether it’s sports, biking, dancing or just playing outside, moving the body is good for both mental and physical health.
Create screen-free time
Too much social media or screen time can add to stress. Help your child take regular breaks from their devices, especially an hour before bedtime. Set boundaries around screen use and create tech-free zones at home.
Teach time management
Help your child break large tasks into smaller steps, use a planner or calendar and prioritize what needs to be done first. Learning these skills early can reduce last-minute stress and improve confidence.
Encourage open conversations
Ask your child how school is going and really listen. Try to stay calm and supportive, even if what they share surprises or worries you. Let them know it’s OK to feel stressed and you’re there to help.
Model healthy coping skills
Kids learn by watching adults. Show them how you handle stress, whether it’s deep breathing, taking a walk or talking things through. This helps them build their own toolbox of healthy ways to cope.
When to talk to the pediatrician
If your child’s stress doesn’t go away or starts interfering with school, friendships or everyday life, it may be time to involve their pediatrician. Some things to discuss include:
- Frequent headaches, stomachaches or other physical symptoms
- Signs of anxiety or depression
- Noticeable changes in sleep, mood or appetite
- Sudden drop in grades or school avoidance
- Self-harm or talk of feeling hopeless
Your pediatrician can check for underlying health issues and help guide the next steps. They may refer you to a counselor, psychologist or therapist who works with children or teens.
Mental health treatment for school stress
Professional mental health support can make a difference if school stress worsens. Options may include:
- Talk therapy: Helps kids learn how to understand their feelings, manage stress and solve problems in healthier ways
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of therapy that teaches practical strategies for changing negative thought patterns
- Family therapy: Sometimes helpful if school stress is tied to things happening at home
- School counselors: Can provide support during the school day and help with academic challenges
Most mental health treatment starts with small steps. You don’t have to wait for a crisis – early support often leads to better outcomes.
How we can help
It’s normal for kids to feel stressed sometimes, but they shouldn’t have to struggle alone. With strong support at home, open communication and help from pediatric or mental health professionals when needed, students can build the skills they need to cope with school stress in healthy ways.
If your child is showing signs of school-related stress, your pediatrician can help you figure out what’s going on. They can talk with your child, suggest coping strategies and recommend next steps for mental health support if needed. Early help can lead to lasting improvement in your child’s well-being and confidence at school.
Learn about the pediatric and family medicine services we offer at Bon Secours.
