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Stress in children and teens does not always look like anxiety or sadness, and Boys Town is urging families to pay attention to the quieter signs that a child may be struggling emotionally. In recognition of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Boys Town encouraged parents and caregivers to look beyond what might seem like a packed schedule, a rough week at school or typical moodiness.
Mental Health America’s 2026 awareness calendar lists May 7 as National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration continues to recognize the observance as a time to bring attention to the mental health needs of children and young people.
According to Boys Town Nevada experts, mental health concerns can show up differently depending on a child’s age, personality and environment. Instead of only watching for obvious sadness or anxiety, Boys Town said families should also look for patterns such as increased irritability, trouble sleeping, frequent stomachaches or headaches, shutting down, avoiding school, or pulling away from family and friends.
Boys Town encourages parents and caregivers to watch for warning signs including changes in sleep, frequent headaches or stomachaches without a clear medical cause, irritability or emotional outbursts, withdrawal from family or activities a child usually enjoys, sudden resistance to school, sports or social situations, and noticeable changes in appetite, focus or motivation.
Experts said the goal is not to panic over every rough day, but to notice when a pattern is forming. Boys Town Nevada recommended that parents start with calm, simple conversations and create space for children to talk without fear of being corrected or dismissed. If concerns continue, Boys Town said families should consider reaching out to a pediatrician, mental health provider or other trusted professional for guidance.
