As an adult, you’re well aware of how stress affects our lives in many ways—but did you know that children also experience stress? It can stem from disruptions in their routines, changes at home or within the family, schoolwork, friendships, or even social situations.
Helping children understand these feelings, manage them, and find healthy outlets for stress is crucial for their success in school and life. At home and in the classroom, especially through play, here’s how children show stress and the activities experts recommend to help calm them.
How Does Stress Look in Children?
Wondering if your child is experiencing stress or anxiety? Here are some signs early childhood experts advise parents to look for—keeping in mind that age and other factors may affect how a child reacts:
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Physical responses: Crying, headaches, stomachaches, or sleep problems.
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Emotional responses: Anxiety, shyness, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, bedwetting, or restless sleep.
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Behavioral changes: Thumb-sucking, hair-twirling, lying, bullying, defiance, or exaggerated reactions.
👉 If you notice these symptoms, talk with your child, their teacher, and pediatrician. Let your child know you understand and are there to help, while also seeking professional guidance on managing stress.
How Play Helps Children Manage Stress
Play—especially free play without rigid schedules or expected outcomes—helps children shift their focus away from worries. It allows them to:
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Feel in control by creating their own worlds.
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Express themselves freely.
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Solve problems creatively.
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Build emotional connections with others.
Through play, children release stress, nurture creativity, and develop coping skills that will serve them later in life.
6 Fun Activities to Relieve Stress
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Encourage free play – Give your child open time to play with costumes, blocks, or stuffed animals. No rules, no outcomes—just imagination.
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Move together – Outdoor play, sports, or even a short yoga session with parents helps children release energy and relax.
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Make reading and journaling fun – Books featuring characters dealing with challenges help children relate and learn coping strategies. Journaling or drawing is also a great outlet.
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Use music – Dancing, singing, or making music helps kids relax and enjoy emotional expression.
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Explore art – Drawing, painting, or crafts encourage self-expression and ease stress.
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Try sensory activities – Stress balls, playdough, or kinetic sand calm children while engaging their senses.
Reducing Stress in the Classroom Through Play
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Set clear boundaries – Teach children limits and model calm communication.
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Involve them in group play – Cooperative games foster social skills, creativity, and self-confidence.
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Play with enthusiasm – Join in and encourage positive energy.
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Incorporate mindfulness – Small moments of reflection and guided play build classroom cohesion.
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Be a role model – Show children how to identify stress signals and manage them in healthy ways.
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Celebrate efforts – Support emotional, social, and physical well-being by acknowledging progress.
Fun Stress-Relief Games for the Classroom
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“Feel the Rain” Game – Children mimic the sound of rain with hands and feet, adjusting intensity, which fosters creativity and relaxation.
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“Go!” Game – Students pair up, touch fingers, count together, and then “launch” their hands like rockets—encouraging connection and energy release.
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Singing in Harmony – Practice three familiar songs and sing them together. Singing enhances bonding, communication, and emotional regulation.
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“Beating Hearts” – Children find their pulse and try syncing it with a partner, promoting mindfulness and awareness.
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“Quiet Moves with Me” – A leader makes simple gestures (touching the nose = jump, pointing to a foot = spin, etc.), then passes leadership to another child, keeping everyone engaged.
✨ Through play, children not only release tension but also develop resilience, creativity, and social skills that help them face future challenges with confidence.
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