It may be a common challenge for you on school mornings: your child complains of a headache or stomachache before school, begging to stay home. While you may get exasperated thinking they’re just trying to avoid going to class, frequent physical symptoms such as these can be a sign of something deeper going on.
The mind and body connection can’t be ignored, especially in kids and teens who may be experiencing emotional, cognitive, or neurological challenges underneath it all. Here’s a look at some common causes of school-day headaches and stomachaches, what parents can do, and why therapy in Ann Arbor MI can help with school-related problems.
5 Common Causes of School-Day Illness Complaints
From anxiety to learning disorders, there could be an underlying cause behind their school-day complaints – especially if they seem just fine on weekends and holidays.
1. Anxiety and Stress
The biggest cause of physical symptoms on school days is anxiety, due to anything from academic pressures to social challenges to fear of failure. When they feel anxious about these challenges, their bodies react with physical symptoms such as:
- Morning nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach cramps
- Tension headaches
2. Social Difficulties
Emotional distress can show up in the body when kids are facing social issues at school, such as peer conflict, bullying, or difficulty making friends. If they don’t feel included or safe on school grounds, they make wake in the morning with a “mystery” illness that goes away as soon as they are allowed to stay home. They may indeed feel physically unwell, and that’s because emotionally, they feel unwell.
3. Learning Disorders
Physical symptoms can arise in kids who are struggling academically. Kids often dread going to school or doing homework when they are exhausted and overwhelmed by the pressure of academics. They may complain of:
- Headaches due to eye strain or frustration
- Stomachaches related to stress prior to taking tests or giving presentations in front of the class
- Fatigue due to overcompensating for undiagnosed learning differences
While many people may label this as laziness or avoidance, there could be an underlying issue such as undiagnosed dyslexia.
4. Sensory Sensitivities
The bright lights, noises, and crowded hallways of the school environment can be overwhelming for children with sensory processing challenges or neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD or autism. Physical symptoms may take over, even if your child has a hard time verbalizing what they’re feeling.
5. Medical Factors
It’s important to consider actual physical causes of their school-day tummy aches, such as:
- Food intolerances and allergies
- Migraines
- Gastrointestinal disorders
If your child displays frequent physical symptoms, schedule a check-up with their primary care physician.
Steps Parents Can Take
From tracking patters to consulting a professional, here’s what parents can do about school-related problems in their children.
Track Patterns
Keep a symptom diary for your child, noting when the headaches or stomachaches occur – not just on days of the week but on days where they are expected to take a test or do group work. This way, you can better identify triggers and patterns.
Talk Openly
Ask your child open-ended questions about how they feel when they are at school. Don’t judge, just listen. This will validate their experiences and put them at ease.
Encourage Healthy Coping Skills
Teach your kids relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or journaling to help them build resilience and confidence. They should also be getting enough sleep, exercise, and down time at home.
Enlist the School’s Help
Educators, school counselors, and administrators can offer support in the form of:
- Accommodations through a 504 Plan or IEP
- Modified workloads
- Social skills groups
Consult a Professional
If physical symptoms persist and you think it’s due to school-related difficulties, consult with a trusted therapist in Ann Arbor who can provide a neuropsychological evaluation that looks at the larger picture. From cognitive function to emotional well-being to strengths and challenges, therapy can determine the root causes behind physical symptoms and school. From there, they can form a plan of action moving forward.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With CNLD Neuropsychology
Our therapists specialize in uncovering the reasons behind school-related struggles—physical, emotional, or cognitive—and can help you develop effective strategies to address your child’s concerns. Contact CNLD Neuropsychology for a confidential consultation today.
