There are many causes of school stress: It can arise when a lot of material or difficult learning content has to be learned in a short space of time and the workload becomes too much for your child. It also arises when a child feels overwhelmed by the subject matter.

• The pressure of parental expectations

One of the biggest causes of stress is too much expectation and pressure to perform, regardless of whether this arises consciously or unconsciously. Children are always looking for recognition and don't want to disappoint their parents. Worries about their own failure, poor grades or an impending (non-)promotion and their parents' reaction to this can trigger self-doubt and school anxiety. Even in elementary school, increasing pressure can be observed from grade to grade. By the third and fourth grade at the latest, parents are looking at grades with a view to the upcoming transfer to secondary school.

• Excessive demands

Some children also feel overwhelmed by everyday school life: The routines are unfamiliar, the sitting still, the listening, the many rules that have to be followed. Even the sensory overload caused by noise in the classroom can be a reason if your child is particularly sensitive in this regard.

• Deadline stress

School stress can also be triggered by a busy schedule, for example when afternoons are too tightly packed. Training at the sports club on Mondays, music lessons on Tuesdays, tutoring on Wednesdays and a date with friends on Thursdays, cramming vocabulary or completing the recommended reading course before going to bed: Then there is simply a lack of free time to play and relax.

• Bullying

Problems with classmates are more difficult and sometimes particularly serious in terms of their consequences. Arguments and anger with other children or even lead to a fear of going to school and actively participating in lessons.

• Family problems

Sometimes family problems can also be the cause of school stress. When there is conflict between parents or a separation, children often develop feelings of guilt, which can easily spill over into other areas of life. Even if a child has to bear a lot of responsibility at home, for example when looking after a sibling, this can lead to symptoms of stress.

• Consequences of the coronavirus pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has put an additional strain on schools. Not all pupils have coped well with homeschooling and alternating lessons. They now have to catch up on the lessons they missed when they return to school. This also leads to school stress for some children.

Maybe your son is complaining about too much homework, is constantly fidgety and can't concentrate. Or your daughter seems frustrated and complains more and more often about headaches and stomach aches. Perhaps your child doesn't want to talk about school at all, has problems falling asleep or is obviously withdrawing more and more, is tired and lacks motivation. Every child reacts differently to school stress. The most common symptoms of stress include:

• Sleep disturbances and nightmares
• Headaches
• nonspecific abdominal pain
• Concentration problems
• Sudden drop in performance
• Eating disorders (loss of appetite or overeating)
• Social withdrawal
• Anger and aggression
• Fatigue or listlessness
• Exam anxiety
• School anxiety
• Depression

If you observe one or more of the above behavioral changes in your child: Find out what the reasons are and what triggers the school stress. Take the symptoms of stress seriously and talk to your child. Phrases such as: "It'll be fine" or "You'll manage", don't help. Talk to your child in a relaxed atmosphere and give your daughter or son the feeling that they are being taken seriously. Ask about worries and problems, let your child talk and listen carefully. Let your child know that you will try to defuse the situation together by taking targeted measures.