Is It the Flu or Is It December?

Monday: “Mom, my tummy hurts.”

Wednesday: “Mom, it still hurts.”

Friday: “MOM. MY TUMMY.”

No fever. No vomiting. Nothing visibly wrong. You’ve checked for appendicitis symptoms six times. You’re wondering if they’re faking it to avoid the holiday concert.

Plot twist: it’s probably stress. And yes, kids’ stress can absolutely cause real physical pain.

📚 Stress Stomachaches Are a Thing

Adults get stress headaches. Kids? They get stress stomachaches. Same mechanism, different target.

Why December hits different:

• Schedule chaos (goodbye, routine)
• Sensory overload (lights! music! crowds!)
• Performance pressure (concerts, plays, being “good”)
• They’re absorbing YOUR stress like a sponge
• Excitement mixed with anxiety = body confusion

🚨 How Stress Shows Up in Your Kid’s Body

• 🤢 Recurring stomachaches (especially mornings or before events)
• 🤕 Random headaches
• 😴 Sleep is a mess — can’t fall asleep, nightmares, waking up constantly
• 🍽️ Food weirdness — not hungry or constantly snacking
• 💤 Exhausted no matter what
• 😣 Tense muscles (tight shoulders, clenched jaw)

😤 And the Emotional Signs

• 😭 Meltdowns over tiny things
• 😡 Attitude for days
• 😰 Suddenly clingy
• 🧸 Reverting to younger behaviors
• 😶 Withdrawing from normal activities

⏰ When to Actually Worry

Most kid stress is normal. But some symptoms need a professional to rule out other issues:

• 🤢 Stomach pain that won’t quit or is getting worse
• 🤕 Headaches disrupting their day
• 😰 Chest pain or breathing trouble (even if it screams “anxiety”)
• 🚫 Not eating or drinking for hours
• 😢 Extreme emotional symptoms that aren’t improving

🎯 Parent gut check: If something feels off, it probably is. We’d rather see them and reassure you than have you up at 3 AM googling symptoms.

🎄 Survival Mode: Activated

How to Help Your Kid Cope

• 🕐 Protect the routine — Bedtime and mealtimes are non-negotiable anchors
• 🏠 Schedule nothing time — Pajamas, Legos, no agenda
• 🗣️ Validate their feelings — “The holidays can feel like a lot”
• 🎁 Lower all expectations — Pinterest can wait. Your kid’s nervous system can’t.
• 🚶 Get outside — Nature resets their stress response
• 🧘 Check yourself — Stressed parent = stressed kid. Always.

🏥 When You Need Real Answers

If your kid’s symptoms aren’t improving or you just need someone to check them out, walk into Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care. We’ll help you figure out what’s stress and what needs treatment.

What you get:

• Walk-in care (no appointment circus)
• Providers who actually listen
• Help sorting stress from sickness
• Evening & weekend hours

👂 When your kid keeps saying it hurts? Believe them—and get answers.

Walk into Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care – Manassas. We’ll help you figure it out. 💚