Between school, sports, homework, and extracurriculars, kids today are busier than ever. That packed schedule can sometimes lead to stress. Experts at Cleveland Clinic Children’s say stress isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but learning how to manage it early is key.
“Stress is going to be part of life,” said Kate Eshleman, a child psychologist with Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “What’s important is that children recognize it and learn to manage it, rather than trying to avoid it.”
Dr. Eshleman says stress in kids doesn’t always look obvious. Warning signs can include changes in attitude, shifts in interests, or drops in school performance. When parents notice those changes, she recommends starting with simple steps: acknowledge that stress may be present, try to identify what’s causing it, and then help kids work through it.
That might mean reorganizing how homework gets done, scaling back activities, or adjusting daily routines to make sure kids are getting nutritious meals, enough sleep, and real downtime to recharge.
Even when kids don’t appear stressed, keeping communication open can make a big difference.
“It’s really important to communicate with your kids,” Dr. Eshleman said. “Get in the habit of asking about their day, asking about practice, so if something comes up, they’re more likely to tell you.”
If parents aren’t sure how to help, or if stress seems tied to anxiety or depression, experts recommend reaching out to a child’s pediatrician for guidance and next steps.
The takeaway: stress is normal, but helping kids learn healthy ways to manage it can set them up for long-term success, both in and out of the classroom.
