Child Health A-Z

If Your Child Has Difficulty Adjusting

Symptoms that your child may be having difficulty adjusting:

It is extremely difficult to cope with stressful situations that last for a long time. Children have less ability to cope with stress because of their limited life experiences. Some symptoms that your child may be having difficulty adjusting include:

agitated behavior, such as crying, thumb sucking
disturbed bodily functions, such as eating, sleeping, or elimination
separation anxiety, such as clinging, refusing to sleep alone, wanting to be held constantly
sleep disturbances and nightmares
regression in toilet training, dressing, or self-feeding
withdrawal
decreased self-confidence
makes deprecating comments about self
aggression, both verbal and physical
repeated episodes of sadness
compulsive re-enactment of traumatic events in play
concentration difficulties
behavior changes (the quiet may become frantic and the energetic may become lethargic)
physical ailment, such as headaches, stomach aches, or dizziness
increased dependence
resentment of unfairness of situation, blaming
difficulty with peers
unrealistic expectations of self and others
concern with body image
frustration, producing rebellion
avoidance and denial to avoid addressing issue
reluctance to trust or open self to others
feelings of hopelessness, meaningless of life
depression
lowered impulse control, easily frustrated
drug and alcohol abuse

Any unusual, persistent behavior should be evaluated by a qualified mental health professional. It is often very beneficial to seek professional care when you are concerned or unsure about what do next. If one or more of these behaviors persist over a long period of time, and to a marked degree, professional help may be needed.

Last Update
February 3, 2008

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