Normal Behavior vs. Stressed Behavior

Age Normal Development Possible Stressful Reactions Consider referral for professional assistance

Preschool

(1-5)
  • thumb-sucking, bedwetting
  • lacking self-control
  • no sense of time
  • wanting to exhibit independence (2+)
  • fear of the dark or animals, night terrors
  • clinging to parents
  • curious, explorative
  • loss of bladder/bowel control
  • speech difficulties
  • changes in appetite
  • uncontrollable crying
  • trembling with fright, immobile
  • running aimlessly
  • excessive clinging, fear of being left alone
  • regressive behavior
  • marked sensitivity to loud noises, weather
  • confusion, irritability
  • eating problems
  • excessive withdrawal
  • does not respond to special attention
Age Normal Development Possible Stressful Reactions Consider referral for professional assistance

Middle Childhood

(5-11)
  • irritability
  • whining
  • clinging
  • Aggression
  • question authority
  • try new behaviors for 'fit'
  • overt competition with siblings for parents' attention
  • school avoidance
  • nightmares, fear of dark
  • withdrawal from peers
  • loss of interest or concentration in school
  • marked regressive behaviors
  • sleep problems
  • weather fears
  • headache, nausea, visual or hearing problems
  • irrational fears
  • refusal to go to school
  • distractibility
  • fighting
  • poor performance
  • excessive withdrawal from or negative interactions with peers
  • school refusal and or negative change in school performance
  • extreme distractibility coupled with irrational fears
Age Normal Development Possible Stressful Reactions Consider referral for professional assistance

Early Adolescence

(11-14)
  • sleep disturbance
  • appetite disturbance
  • rebellion in the home/refusal to do chores 
  • physical problems (skin, bowel, aches and pains)
  • withdrawal, isolation
  • depression, sadness
  • aggressive behaviors
  • depression
  • disoriented
  • has memory gaps
  • severely depressed
  • withdrawn
  • substances abuser
  • unable to care for self (eat, drink, bathe)
  • suicidal ideation
Age Normal Development Possible Stressful Reactions Consider referral for professional assistance

Adolescence

(14-18)
  • psychosomatic problems (rash, bowel, asthma)
  • headache/tension
  • hypochondria
  • appetite and sleep disturbance
  • begin to identify with peers
  • have a need for alone time
  • may isolate self from family on occasion
  • agitation
  • apathy
  • irresponsible behavior
  • poor concentration
  • confusion
  • withdrawal, isolation
  • antisocial behavior, (i.e., stealing, aggression, acting out)
  • withdrawal into heavy sleep OR night frights
  • depression
  • much the same as middle childhood
  • hallucinates, afraid will kill self or others
  • cannot make simple decisions
  • excessively preoccupied with one thought

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