What behavioral change might indicate that a child is experiencing stress?

A sudden drop in academic performance is a significant behavioral change that can indicate a child is experiencing stress. Academic performance often reflects a child’s emotional and psychological well-being. When a child is under stress, whether it stems from family issues, social pressures, or other factors, the ability to focus and engage in schoolwork may decline. Stress can lead to anxiety, sleep disturbances, or a feeling of being overwhelmed, all of which can affect a child's concentration and motivation to perform academically.

In contrast, behaviors such as increased energy levels, heightened sociability, or more interest in extracurricular activities may not be signs of stress. In fact, these behaviors can sometimes be seen as positive coping mechanisms or expressions of interest and engagement. However, a noticeable decline in academic performance is often one of the more concrete indicators of underlying stress that may require attention and intervention.