When the Body Speaks: Understanding Somatic Symptoms in Young Children

Young children do not always have the words to explain how they feel. Instead, their bodies often do the talking. This is called somatic symptoms. These are physical signs that can be linked to feelings, stress, or life changes.

People of all ages—including adults—can experience somatic symptoms. However, they are especially common in young children, who are still learning how to understand and express their emotions.

For young children, somatic symptoms are a natural and important way of communicating. They are real signals that something may need attention.

What might somatic symptoms look like?

While every child is different, common examples might include:

• Stomachaches
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Feeling very tired or having low energy
• Trouble sleeping or frequent waking
• Muscle tension or aches
• Teeth grinding (e.g., during sleep)
• General complaints of not feeling well
• before, during, or after school/daycare,
• at bedtime,
• or leading up to or during a certain situation your child considers stressful.
• Worried or anxious
• Stressed or overwhelmed
• Sad or lonely
• Grief after a loss
• Uncertainty during or leading up to a big change
• Daily stressors: Familial stress, changes in routine, or tension/conflict at home
• Situational anxiety: Worry about school, separation from caregivers, or new activities
• Sensory overload: Busy, loud, or bright environments can be overwhelming, especially for children with sensory sensitivities
• Past experiences: A child may react to reminders of earlier stressful or frightening events, even if they cannot fully explain why
• Big life changes: Starting school, moving, parental separation or divorce, loss of a loved one, caregiver deployment, caregiver incarceration, or other major transitions
• Happy
• Sad
• Mad
• Worried
• Scared
• Drawing
• Play
• Movement
• Talking (when ready)
• Taking slow, deep breaths
• Holding a comfort item
• Taking a quiet break
• Engaging in gentle movement or stretching

These symptoms may come and go. They may also show up more often during certain times, like…

What could these symptoms mean?

Sometimes, these physical signs are connected to emotional experiences. Young children may feel:

Children may not say, “I feel anxious.” Instead, they might say, “My tummy hurts.”

What can influence somatic symptoms?

There are many possible factors, including:

It is important to remember that these responses are not “made up.” The body is sending a signal and responding to something meaningful.

How can caregivers and professionals help?

Supporting young children starts with curiosity, patience, and care. Here are some helpful ways to respond:

Notice patterns

Pay attention when symptoms happen. Do they appear before certain events or in specific settings?

Validate the child’s experience
Let the child know you believe them. For example:
“I hear that your stomach hurts. That sounds uncomfortable.”

Gently connect feelings and body signals
Help children make simple links. For example, you might say:
“Sometimes our tummy hurts when we feel worried. Do you think something might be bothering you?”

Teach feeling words
Use clear, simple language to build emotional awareness:

Books, pictures, and everyday moments can help children learn these words to help name their feelings.

Encourage expression
Children may express feelings through:

These are only a few examples, and remember that there is no one “right” way. Allow and encourage children to express themselves in ways that feel most safe and comfortable for them, gently guiding them as needed.

Offer simple coping tools
Teach easy coping strategies children can use, such as:

Practice these skills during times when they’re feeling calm and regulated so they are easier to use when needed.

Create predictable routines
Consistent routines help children feel safe and reduce stress, especially during times of big change. Knowing what to expect each day can make the world feel more manageable and less overwhelming. Simple, steady patterns—like regular mealtimes, bedtime routines, and clear transitions—can provide comfort and support a child’s sense of stability.

Work together
Caregivers and professionals can share observations and support plans to help the child feel understood across settings. Working together can also build awareness, as professionals may notice patterns in somatic symptoms and help connect them to possible feelings or situations, while also gaining helpful insight from caregivers about what the child is experiencing at home or in daily routines. By sharing information, both can gain new understanding—such as when or why a child feels anxious—leading to a clearer picture of the child’s needs and how to best support them.

Final Thoughts & Helpful Resource

When young children show physical symptoms, it is an opportunity to listen more closely. Their bodies may be sharing what they cannot yet say in words. With support, children can learn to notice and understand their feelings, express themselves, and develop healthy ways to cope.

To help children connect their body sensations with feelings, we’ve created a “My Body Clues” activity sheet. This simple, kid-friendly tool lets children draw or color where they feel discomfort, identify possible feelings and when/why they might be feeling that way, and explore what might help them feel better. You can download and print it to use at home, at school, or anytime and anywhere it might be helpful to reflect on and talk about how your child is feeling.