Signs of Stress and Anxiety in Children

Page 5

​It is critical for educators to be knowledgeable about the signs of anxiety in children. You are with them a significant amount of their day and may see things that parents or guardians may not. There are two different types of signs, physical (how their bodies react) and behavioral (how they act).   

Physical Signs

Here are some of the physical signs:

• Stomach discomfort
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Rapid heart rate
• Sleeping problems
• Perspiration
• Flushed skin  

Behavioral Signs

Here are some of the behavioral signs:

• Task avoidance
• Lack of participation
• Restlessness
• Fidgeting
• Perfectionism
• Irritability
• Rapid speech   

​Please note that the frequency and duration of these signs should be taken into account. Any child can have stomach discomfort. That doesn’t mean that because it happens once that the child has anxiety. If you see several of these signs, happening over an extended period of time, talk to your director or principal about it. From there, they should assist you in bringing it up with parents, so they can visit a physician.

It’s important that you remember to be sensitive with parents about this issue.  ​   

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
2. What is Anxiety?​
3. What Teacher's Should Know
4. Anxiety in Kids  

5. Signs of Stress and Anxiety 
6. Severe Anxiety
7. Instructional Strategies 
8. Children's Books 

9. Classroom Activities
10. End of Course Quiz (3/3)
11. Course Evaluation Form ​ 
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