Mega Doctor News
Stress is something we all experience regardless of age.
For children, small amounts of positive stress can be a good thing, helping them grow, stay focused and build confidence as they take on challenges like school and sports.
“Healthy stress plays an important role in childhood development by helping kids build confidence, stay motivated and learn how to overcome challenges,” says Leticia Sosa, MSSW, LCSW, LCDC-I., KAP, CLYL, EMDRTherapist, Director of Outpatient Services, South Texas Health System (STHS) Behavioral. “When supported by caring adults, these everyday pressures can strengthen coping skills and encourage emotional growth.”
Common stressors in children include school pressure, social challenges with friends, family changes and even positive, high-energy experiences like starting a new school year, joining a sports team or beginning a new after-school activity.
“These experiences can help children learn adaptability, build problemsolving skills and develop resilience as they navigate new situations,” says Sosa. “With guidance, reassurance and consistent support from parents and caregivers, children are better equipped to manage stress in healthy, productive ways.”
Unfortunately, childhood stress, especially when it’s chronic, has become an increasing concern across the United States.
Currently, nearly half of U.S. children ages 3–17 experience chronic, school-related stress, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and up to 20% live with a mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder.
Chronic, or toxic, stress in children can disrupt brain development, weaken the immune system and even alter DNA, increasing the risk of long-term physical, emotional and behavioral challenges.
Children experiencing prolonged stress may show signs like persistent anxiety, defiance, difficulty focusing or learning and frequent physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches.
When stress goes unaddressed, a child’s body can remain in a prolonged fight-or-flight state. Over time, this sustained stress response can negatively impact overall health, increasing the risk of conditions such as obesity, heart disease and depression later in life.
“Chronic stress doesn’t just disappear as children get older,” says Sosa. “If it isn’t addressed early, it can impact their health, emotions and ability to manage life’s challenges well into adulthood.”
Managing stress early in life is essential to protecting children’s long-term mental and physical health. Early intervention helps children develop resilience, perform better academically and build strong, healthy relationships.
“Children look to their parents and caregivers for guidance during stressful moments,” says Sosa. “When adults listen, offer reassurance and help children understand their emotions, they empower them to manage stress in healthy, productive ways.”
In recognition of National Stress Awareness Month in April, STHS Children’s will dedicate the latest installment of its Let’s Talk Children’s Health webinar series to the topic of childhood stress.
Broadcast live via the STHS Children’s Facebook page on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., the informative webinar will raise awareness about the negative effects of stress on children’s mental and physical well-being, highlight effective stress-management strategies, and provide practical resources to help parents and caregivers support children experiencing high levels of stress.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Children’s Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Children’s Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Children’s |
| What: | FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Children’s Health – Childhood Stress” |
| When: | Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS Children’s & STHS’ Facebook pages |
