Stress shows itself in children by complaints about stomachaches, being nervous, trouble sleeping, anger flares, and infections. Stress is a life event or situation that causes imbalance in an individual's life. An unhealthy response to stress occurs when the demands of the stressor exceed an individual's coping ability. Often stress results from something that is beyond our control. Control has a great deal to do with levels of stress.
Some stress is normal.
Daily and life challenges can be expected. For example, most children will attend school and will have to go through many transitions. Being afraid of the dark and feeling peer pressure are predictable stressors. Other stressors are not as predictable. Disruptions to what is considered normal for the child cause problems with stress.