62 Hidden Stressors That Can Cause Kids Anxiety & Outbursts

Calm Nights, Strong Days for Kids with Big Emotions

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In This Episode We Will Dive into:

Hidden stressors that can cause anxiety and outbursts in children

Key Takeaways

• There are many hidden stressors that can overwhelm a child's nervous system and trigger outbursts.
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• Understanding these stressors can help parents better support their child's needs
• Stressors discussed include sensory processing issues, environmental toxins, nutrient deficiencies, executive functioning struggles, trauma, perfectionism, sleep issues, screen time, boredom/overstimulation, and more.

Links Mentioned

• Mark Rober video explains why someone with Autism struggles to look in your eyes —- https://youtu.be/ybPgmjTRvMo?si=oHb2cf00x1-koZ2V
• Stink - It was on Netflix, but isn’t anymore. Here is a link that is currently free - https://youtu.be/lk6elw_VGB0?si=b0rtA-sSPMXAd2LP
• THe co regulation handbook - Co Regulation Handbook By LInda K Murphy - great chapter on competing and not liking to lose https://www.declarativelanguage.com/about-coregulation-handbook
• Highly senstive child by Elaine Aaron — https://hsperson.com/books/the-highly-sensitive-child/

Auditory Processing Struggles

• Some kids struggle with overhearing and processing too much auditory input
• This can look like ADHD symptoms but may actually be an auditory processing disorder (APD)
• Kids with APD may hear everything too loudly/intensely and get overwhelmed

Visual/Memory Processing

• Some kids take in and process a huge amount of visual details and memories
• This can be overwhelming if their brain can't filter/prioritize the information
• They may notice tiny changes others miss, recall specific images from books, etc.

Environmental Toxins

• Many kids are highly sensitive to synthetic fragrances, dyes, etc. which can trigger anger/outbursts
• It's like having a "bomb-sniffing dog" sense of smell for these toxins
• Removing toxins from home, personal care products can make a big difference

Nutrient Deficiencies

• The stress response uses up nutrients like magnesium, vitamin C
• Gut issues can also impair nutrient absorption
• Correcting deficiencies can help "fuel" and regulate the stress response better

Executive Functioning Struggles

• Gifted kids often have executive function challenges like poor impulse control
• They may struggle with flexibility, transitioning, following multi-step instructions
• This disconnect between intelligence and EF skills can cause frustration

Trauma

• Traumatic events or perceived failures can be highly distressing for perfectionistic kids
• They may "cover up" learning disabilities until a task exposes the struggle
• Therapy can help process these traumas in an age-appropriate way

Losing/Competitiveness

• Some kids hyperfocus on losses and can't see their wins/progress
• Their brains don't process success/failure the same as their peers
• Collaborative games and the Co-Regulation Handbook can help

Change

• Many kids, especially those on the autism spectrum, struggle with any change in routine
• Preparing them for changes in schedule can reduce anxiety

Sleep Issues

• Overstimulation can make it very difficult for some kids to calm down and sleep
• Factors like screens, diet, anxiety can disrupt sleep cycles

Screen Time

• Some kids get intensely absorbed/addicted to screens in an unhealthy way
• Setting boundaries is important but can be very challenging

Boredom vs Overstimulation

• Gifted kids need the right level of stimulation to stay engaged
• Too little leads to boredom and behavior issues; too much is overwhelming

Covering Learning Disabilities

• Very bright kids may be able to compensate for learning disabilities for a while
• But eventually the struggles surface, causing anxiety and self-esteem issues

High Sensitivity

• Some kids are highly sensitive to sounds, textures, others' emotions
• The world can feel intensely overwhelming without coping strategies

Mental Stimulation Levels

• It's important to provide the right amount and type of mental stimulation
• Too little or too much can both lead to disengagement and anxiety

Next Steps

• Join the "Kids with Big Emotions" Facebook group to connect with other parents
• Email or DM the host which stressors resonated most to get more tailored support
• Consider reading resources like "The Highly Sensitive Child" by Elaine Aron
• Explore tools like co-regulation, collaborative games, and adjusting sensory inputs