What is a common behavior children exhibit when they are stressed?

When children experience stress, they often express their feelings and anxieties through their behavior, which can include acting out during play. This behavior allows them to process and communicate their internal experiences in a safe environment. Play can serve as a medium for children to work through their emotions and may manifest as aggressive or defiant behavior, or as role-playing scenarios that reflect their stressors.

In contrast, increased independence and confidence typically would not be behaviors associated with stress; rather, they suggest a sense of security. Expressing emotions verbally may occur, but young children often lack the verbal skills or emotional vocabulary to articulate their feelings clearly. Seeking solitude might indicate stress for some children, but it isn’t as common a response as acting out, which allows them to engage with their feelings and the world around them in a tangible way.