If your kid says their stomach hurts on more days than not, you might take them to the pediatrician to get checked out. But if the doctor rules out physical reasons like an infection, it doesn’t mean they’re faking an illness. Stomachaches and headaches can be caused by anxiety, and the child is feeling real pain — pain that might disappear when whatever triggered it goes away, like staying home instead of taking a test at school.

This week at childmind.org, we are talking about anxiety and how it can connect to physical symptoms, real or imagined. For example, some kids have a minor stomachache and worry there’s something seriously wrong with them, while others are afraid they will get sick even when they have no symptoms. But whatever the source of anxiety, letting kids stay home from school can be a tricky decision — if it gets to be a habit it can lead to school refusal. We also have tips on how to cope with test anxiety and help kids manage their worries instead of avoiding them. And if your kid wants to stay home to take a mental health day, we help you decide if that might be just what they need to recharge.

— Michelle Shih, Managing Editor | ✉