The teen years are known for mood swings, but experts say stress may be playing a much bigger role than parents realize.
According to the American Institute of Stress, 75% of high school students say they’re constantly stressed, mostly due to schoolwork.
And the signs of that stress might not look like what adults experience.
The eye rolls, the outbursts, the slammed doors. It might seem like just teen drama. But for many, it’s actually stress. Three out of four teens say they’re overwhelmed.
Experts with Mayo Clinic say when a child or teen is stressed, their behavior and actions will likely change.
Increased irritability, anger, or defiance may be a sign that something is stressing them out. They may also have trouble sleeping, struggle with school, or want to be left alone.
Physically, frequent headaches and stomach issues could be a result of anxiety.
To help kids manage, set a good routine, encourage healthy diets and sleep habits, and find times to talk.
And when emotions run high, stay calm. Don’t match their yelling with your own.
Instead, pick your battles, celebrate the wins and give them an opportunity to make choices. Even small decisions, like what’s for dinner, can help kids feel more in control.
Support, stability and space to talk are all part of helping kids stress less.
And experts at KidsHealth say some of these behaviors may be tied to puberty, which can start as early as age 8 for girls and 9 for boys. The hormonal changes affect mood, sleep, and emotional regulation, making it even more important for parents to talk openly and offer support.