62 Hidden Stressors That Can Cause Kids Anxiety & Outbursts

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.comJoin Our Mailing List: 📬  https://andiclark.com/mailing-list-signup/ Book a Call: 📞 https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacallJoin Our FB Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/kidswithbigemotions In This Episode We Will Dive into:Hidden stressors that can cause anxiety and outbursts in childrenKey TakeawaysThere are many hidden stressors that can overwhelm a child's nervous system and trigger outbursts.Understanding these stressors can help parents better support their child's needsStressors 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 StrugglesSome kids struggle with overhearing and processing too much auditory inputThis 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 overwhelmedVisual/Memory ProcessingSome kids take in and process a huge amount of visual details and memoriesThis can be overwhelming if their brain can't filter/prioritize the informationThey may notice tiny changes others miss, recall specific images from books, etc.Environmental ToxinsMany kids are highly sensitive to synthetic fragrances, dyes, etc. which can trigger anger/outburstsIt's like having a "bomb-sniffing dog" sense of smell for these toxinsRemoving toxins from home, personal care products can make a big differenceNutrient DeficienciesThe stress response uses up nutrients like magnesium, vitamin CGut issues can also impair nutrient absorptionCorrecting deficiencies can help "fuel" and regulate the stress response betterExecutive Functioning StrugglesGifted kids often have executive function challenges like poor impulse controlThey may struggle with flexibility, transitioning, following multi-step instructionsThis disconnect between intelligence and EF skills can cause frustrationTraumaTraumatic events or perceived failures can be highly distressing for perfectionistic kidsThey may "cover up" learning disabilities until a task exposes the struggleTherapy can help process these traumas in an age-appropriate wayLosing/CompetitivenessSome kids hyperfocus on losses and can't see their wins/progressTheir brains don't process success/failure the same as their peersCollaborative games and the Co-Regulation Handbook can helpChangeMany kids, especially those on the autism spectrum, struggle with any change in routinePreparing them for changes in schedule can reduce anxietySleep IssuesOverstimulation can make it very difficult for some kids to calm down and sleepFactors like screens, diet, anxiety can disrupt sleep cyclesScreen TimeSome kids get intensely absorbed/addicted to screens in an unhealthy waySetting boundaries is important but can be very challengingBoredom vs OverstimulationGifted kids need the right level of stimulation to stay engagedToo little leads to boredom and behavior issues; too much is overwhelmingCovering Learning DisabilitiesVery bright kids may be able to compensate for learning disabilities for a whileBut eventually the struggles surface, causing anxiety and self-esteem issuesHigh SensitivitySome kids are highly sensitive to sounds, textures, others' emotionsThe world can feel intensely overwhelming without coping strategiesMental Stimulation LevelsIt's important to provide the right amount and type of mental stimulationToo little or too much can both lead to disengagement and anxietyNext StepsJoin the "Kids with Big Emotions" Facebook group to connect with other parentsEmail or DM the host which stressors resonated most to get more tailored supportConsider reading resources like "The Highly Sensitive Child" by Elaine AronExplore tools like co-regulation, collaborative games, and adjusting sensory inputs