Your young child isn’t *saying* they’re stressed about coronavirus and social distancing, but you still feel like something’s up

Here are some silent signs they might be having a hard time (a thread): https://nyti.ms/3bpoiNr 

1. They’re withdrawing and talking less. A total lack of emotion is often a behavioral change spotted in very young children under stress, said @DrCJohns, a pediatrician.

2. Bedtime is taking forever. @FSeguraMD, a pediatrician, recommended engaging your child in a constructive activity in the evenings since bored or frustrated kids are more likely to focus on their stress later in the day.

3. Their tummy hurts. Fun (?) fact: The nerves in our stomach and intestines respond to the same stress hormones our brains do. That said, call your child’s doctor if they experience vomiting, diarrhea, fevers, chills, unrelenting abdominal pain or weight loss.

4. They have canker sores. The overall cause of canker sores is unknown, but they can be stress-related, and stress can exacerbate the problem, said Denise Daniels, a child development expert.

5. They’re having potty issues. Stress may manifest in using the bathroom more frequently or having a potty regression, said Dr. Abigail Schlesinger. While it could be a physical issue, “If they’re eating normally and don’t have a fever, then most likely they’re stressed."

6. Their legs hurt. Stress triggers certain nerve pathways and can present as physical pain, said Dr. Jay Lovenheim, D.O., a pediatrician. If they’re still moving around and playing without difficulty, stress might be the cause.

7. One last thing: listen to your gut. If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior, speak to their doctor. For more information on silent signs of stress in children, and what to do if you notice them, read the article by @daniellebraff here: https://nyti.ms/3bpoiNr