Signs of stress in toddlers

Stress can be experienced by anyone at any time. But, it will be a difficult condition when it happens to your toddler.  Toddler’s tension will affect not only the little one, but also the whole family. The reason can be their desire for love, safety and security.  For a full-time mother, it will be comparatively easy to notice any sudden changes in the toddler. For a working woman, it may be a bit difficult. If you are getting a lot of complaints from your granny or caretaker, don’t overlook it.

Since your toddler is undergoing many physical and mental developments, chances are more for them to face various stress and anxiety. The reasons for stress in toddler will be completely different from that of an adult. If not identified and rectified in the proper time, it may lead to serious mental complications like depression in the future. It will be a difficult task to recognize that your toddler has stress. But, there are some warning signs that can help you in identifying that your toddler is facing anxiety and stress for one or more reasons.

Here is a list of the most important signs of stress in toddler. Knowing these will help you solve the problem at the earliest.

Sleeplessness: One of the most important signs of stress in toddlers is disturbed sleep. The restlessness and tension may cause interrupted sleep. Insufficient sleep time may make your toddler more irritated at the day time.

Hyperactive behaviour: When your toddler experience stress that cannot be handled, they will release it as a rush of energy. Having temper tantrums is a result of this. If your toddler is hyperactive, remember it is one of the signs of stress in toddlers.

Shyness: If your toddler tends to show shyness when you are in a group gathering, suspect it as one of the signs of stress in toddlers. Some toddlers will feel stress when mingling with strange people.

Increased aggression: Some toddlers react with physical aggression like biting, kicking, or hitting, whereas some others use verbal aggression or screaming. It is very important to handle these situations with patience as these are signs of stress in toddlers.

Eating disorders: If there is any sort of stress in toddlers, symptoms and signs may vary according to the lifestyle of your toddler. Some toddlers preset it as eating disorders. They will act as a rebel in front of food.

Bedwetting: Bedwetting is the most common signs of stress in toddlers. The rush of tension and confusion will make the child frustrated. Their tensions about love, safety and security may become the reasons for this habit.

Thumb sucking: If you find that your toddler is taking back their old habits like thumb sucking, chances are more that they have stress.  Since the sucking reflex will offer them a kind of secure feeling, they will continue it.

Crying more: If you are not able to calm down your toddler by offering any of their favourites, chances are more that it is one of the signs of stress in toddlers. Since toddlers know to react only through crying, no wonder if they do it more when under stress.

Increased fear: The desire for safety and security may make them a bit more scared in some situations. If you find that your toddler is afraid when being alone or when going to the bathroom, take necessary steps to make them feel more comfortable.