How Parents Can Spot Early Signs of Stress in Kids and What to Do About It

New Delhi, Dec 8, 2025: Counsellors across Delhi report rising stress levels and earlier onset of anxiety among school children. Dr Bhavna Barmi, senior clinical and child psychologist and founder of Happiness Studio, explains common emotional and behavioural patterns and shares strategies for parents to create emotional safety at home.

Child psychologist Dr Bhavna Barmi explains the early signs of stress in children and offers tips for parents to foster emotional safety and resilience at home.

Common Signs by Age Group

Primary School Children (6-11 years):

• Increased anxiety (separation, school performance)

• Somatic complaints (stomachaches, headaches)

• Temper or defiant outbursts

• Sleep disturbances

• Regression in toileting or other behaviours (younger children)

• Attention and peer relationship issues

  
  

Secondary School Students (12-18 years):

• Social anxiety and depressive symptoms

• Self-critical or perfectionistic behaviour

• Academic stress

• Risky online behaviour

• Impulsive conduct and occasional self-harm ideation

  
  

Dr Barmi notes that anxiety and depression are appearing earlier, often exacerbated by social media exposure, reduced unstructured play, and intense academic pressure.

Why Children Are More Sensitive Today

Factors contributing to higher stress levels include:

• High-stakes academic testing

• Social media pressures and constant peer comparison

• Cyberbullying

• Reduced free and unstructured play

• Overprotective or performance-focused parenting

• Low mental-health literacy in some schools and communities

  
  

Monitoring Digital Lives Without Being Controlling

Parents can:

• Co-create digital rules: negotiate screen time, content boundaries, and “no-phone” zones during meals and bedtime

• Focus on behaviour and well-being rather than surveillance

• Ask about online experiences and show interest in children’s hobbies

• Use collaborative monitoring apps transparently

• Teach privacy, critical thinking, and online safety skills

• Intervene when online interactions cause distress

  
  

Finding Balance in Parenting

Overprotective or “helicopter” parenting can reduce problem-solving skills, foster dependence, and increase anxiety. Parents can build resilience by:

• Scaffolding rather than solving problems for children

• Assigning graded responsibilities

• Allowing safe failures

• Celebrating effort rather than only outcomes

  
  

After a stressful school incident, parents should:

• Limit media exposure of the event

• Reassure children with phrases like, “You might be worried… what’s on your mind?”

• Validate their emotions and encourage seeking help from counsellors or therapists

  
  

Early-Warning Signs to Never Ignore

Red flags include:

• Talk of hopelessness or self-harm

• Sudden withdrawal from family or friends

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

• Significant changes in sleep, appetite, academic performance, or mood

• Aggressive outbursts, substance use, or giving away prized possessions

  
  

Dr Barmi emphasizes that early, low-stigma conversations and routine emotional check-ins are far more effective than large interventions done too late. Small, steady parental curiosity and validation can significantly protect children’s mental health.