Watch For Behavior Changes in Your Child

Watch for behavior changes in your child

Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include:

  • Excessive crying or irritation in younger children.
  • Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting).
  • Excessive worry or sadness.
  • Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits.
  • Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens.
  • Poor school performance or avoiding school.
  • Difficulty with attention and concentration.
  • Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past.
  • Unexplained headaches or body pain.
  • Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

Ways to support your child

  • Talk with your child or teen.
  • Answer questions and share facts in a way that your child or teen can understand.
  • Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
  • Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of negative events, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
  • Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
  • Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

Page last reviewed: May 15, 2020

addrc

Recent Posts

Introduction to ADHD and Glucose Metabolism

PET studies reveal that adults with ADHD exhibit lower glucose metabolism in 30 out of…

23 hours ago

ADHD Summer Break: Managing Parental Resentment and Burnout

Summer break can be especially challenging when you're parenting a child with ADHD. Disrupted routines,…

2 days ago

Breaking Free from the Rut: How Couples With ADHD Can Rediscover Joy

Harold Robert Meyer | The ADD Resource Center 07/03/2025 Executive Summary Couples where one or…

3 days ago

Why You Are Charged More For Medical Expenses If You Are Uninsured

July 01, 2025 by addrcHarold Robert Meyer and The ADD Resource Center Why are people…

5 days ago

You May Forgive, But Why Can’t You Ever Forget?

Why is it that even after we’ve made peace with someone’s actions, the memory lingers?…

1 week ago

Can People with ADHD Really Transform Their Lives? The Science Says Yes

Knowing that ADHD is manageable flips the script from despair to possibility. It’s not just…

2 weeks ago