When Big Feelings Show Up in Small Bodies: Understanding the Physical Signs of Emotional Stress in Children
- Maria Laquerre LMFT, RPTS
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
As parents or caregivers, it can be concerning and difficult to understand when your child begins complaining of frequent stomachaches, experiences bedwetting, or struggles with sleep—especially when there’s no clear cause for these physical signs. You might wonder if these are just random occurrences, or if they’re tied to something deeper your child might not have the words to express.

It’s important to understand that children, especially younger ones, often express emotional discomfort through their bodies. These physical symptoms can be their way of showing that something feels off emotionally, even if they can’t yet articulate what’s going on inside.
The Mind-Body Connection and The Stress Response
Children’s emotional and physical development is intricately connected, and it’s important to recognize that their bodies and brains are still in the process of maturing. As a result, children often face challenges in expressing and regulating their emotions. Instead of articulating their inner experiences, they may experience emotional stress—whether stemming from challenges at school, family transitions, or significant life changes like the birth of a sibling or a move—as manifesting in physical symptoms.
One key physiological response that plays a role in this process is the body’s “fight or flight” reaction. This is a natural survival mechanism that prepares the body to respond to danger. While this response is vital in situations of actual physical threat, it can also be activated by emotional stress. For children, emotional triggers such as a difficult day at school, parental conflict, or even anticipatory anxiety can prompt this response and show up as stomachaches, headaches, or trouble sleeping.

Common Physical Signs of Emotional Stress in Children
Here are some of the physical signs that children may show when they’re feeling emotionally unsettled:
Frequent stomachaches or headaches
Changes in appetite
Waking up frequently at night
Bedwetting
Frequent bathroom trips
Low energy
Skin flare-ups
What Can You Do?
If you notice these physical symptoms, it’s important to listen to them and respond with empathy. Here are some helpful strategies for supporting your child:
Validate their feelings: Let your child know that it’s okay to feel upset or anxious and that their body’s reactions are normal when dealing with stress. This can help them feel understood and less alone in their experience.
Create a calming routine: If your child is having trouble sleeping or experiencing nighttime anxiety, a calming bedtime routine can help. This can include a warm bath, reading together, or listening to soothing music.
Encourage emotional expression: Give your child opportunities to express what they’re feeling. This can be through art, play, or simply talking together.
Seek professional support: If the physical symptoms persist or seem to be affecting your child’s daily life, it may be helpful to consult a therapist. Play therapy can provide a safe space for children to express their feelings and process their emotional stress, leading to greater emotional resilience.
Play Therapy: Helping Children Understand and Manage Their Emotions
At A New Hope Therapy Center, we specialize in play therapy, which helps children aged 3 to 12 communicate and process their emotions. Through therapeutic play, children can begin to express what they may not have the words for yet—whether it’s stress about school, family changes, or other life challenges. Play therapy helps children build coping skills, increase emotional awareness, and understand their physical and emotional responses.
If you’ve noticed signs that your child might be struggling emotionally, reach out to us today. Our team of experienced play therapists is here to help guide both you and your child through this journey.
A self-described geek, Maria Laquerre-Diego is a CEO and Owner who is committed to increasing access to mental health services and breaking down the stigma surrounding therapy services. As a therapist turned CEO, Maria has developed a unique perspective when it comes to mental health and the barriers surrounding mental health treatment. Influenced by her time at New Mexico State University in the Family and Consumer Science department, and University of New Hampshire’s Marriage and Family Therapy department, Maria has turned her dedication to giving back and supporting future generations of therapists. In addition to supporting mental health providers, Maria takes an active role in addressing the continued stigma of mental health services through the use of pop culture – everything from movies and television shows to superheroes and Disney characters. Maria has spoken about mental health at several local events, has served as an officer on professional boards and has provided training to clinicians all over the country while maintaining her and her family’s roots as Aggies! Outside of the office, Maria can be found spending time with her family and loved ones, exploring the world through travel, and creating cosplays for herself, her husband and their two little ones. Maria is always happy to talk about Star Wars, Marvel and mental health and can be contacted through her practice website www.anewhopetc.org
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