Child Psychologist Warns Burnout in Kids Is Often Missed—Here Are the Signs
"The difficulty is that children won't necessarily come home and tell you they're burnt out," Dr. Patricia Britto told Newsweek.
Burnout, traditionally associated with adult professionals, can also impact children, according to child psychologist Dr. Patricia Britto. While the pressures faced by young people may differ from those experienced by adults, extended periods of stress and exhaustion can significantly affect their emotional and physical well-being. However, children often lack the language to express what they're going through, making it challenging for parents to identify when their child may be experiencing burnout.
Britto emphasizes that children may not openly communicate their burnout, instead, displaying changes in behavior. Research indicates that many young Americans are already experiencing exhaustion typically associated with midlife by the age of 25. A 2025 survey found that one in four Americans reported reaching peak burnout before turning 30, challenging the notion that life's pressures peak later in adulthood. However, children can also be affected by burnout.
Britto warns that there is no single cause for children feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Factors such as academic pressure, concerns about achievement, friendship issues, family stress, social media, extracurricular commitments, or simply having too much going on can contribute to burnout. To help parents identify potential burnout in their children, Britto lists five signs to look out for.
Firstly, if a usually easy-going child suddenly becomes more irritable, tearful, or reactive over minor issues, this could indicate that they are feeling overwhelmed. Secondly, a sudden loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, such as sports, dance classes, or spending time with friends, may suggest that the child is burnt out. Thirdly, persistent tiredness despite sleeping well can be a sign of burnout, as it can affect a child's energy levels throughout the day.
Fourthly, if a child frequently starts avoiding school or other commitments, it could be a sign that they are struggling to cope with the demands being placed on them. Lastly, if a child exhibits changes in their academic performance, such as taking longer to complete homework or becoming more forgetful and distracted, this could also indicate burnout.
Britto advises parents not to immediately focus on the behavior displayed by their children but rather to investigate the underlying reasons behind these changes. She stresses that it is normal for children to experience stress from time to time, but prolonged stress can impact concentration, memory, and emotional regulation. Britto further recommends that children should have time for relaxation, playing, and being bored, as these activities help them decompress and recover from everyday demands.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
