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Stress affects everyone, but most people don't realize it looks different in kids.

A local doctor sat down with WAAY 31 to give you the warning signs you need to watch out for as well as three ways to help manage stress.

The school bell will become all too familiar in the coming days. Now that the class schedule is set, teacher assignments are in place, and school supplies purchased – kids can breathe a sigh of relief. That’s what most parents think, but there are a lot of mounting pressure kids can face from choosing the perfect outfit, to making new friends, dealing with bullies, academic rigors, and tensions at home. All of which can really weigh on a child. 

Dr. Margaret Canter with the University of Alabama at Birmingham said, “A lot of times for kids, it may present more as irritability or anger.� She says the first week of school is crucial to monitoring their behavior. 

“If you start to notice your normally sweet, mild-mannered child is angry or has a shorter fuse, that can be a sign that the child is a little stressed or overwhelmed,� she added. “Also, take note if your child has difficulty sleeping or there's a change in appetite.�

Canter said the one thing you should never tell a stressed kid is that they are not overwhelmed. “One of the biggest things is validating their emotions and try to understand where they are coming from and from there troubleshoot,� she added.

The key is to listen to your kids and not try to fix their issues. Research shows not validating their emotions has an opposite effect on them and they will shut down emotionally.

Canter recommends finding an outlet to decompress that works best for them. They may enjoy exercising, journaling, walking, counseling, and meditation. 

It is important to note that not all stress is bad. If you are stressed about an exam, you may study harder. Or, you will practice more before a big speech or competition.

The problem arises when the stress becomes overwhelming.