Many parents hear their children say, “Mom, my tummy hurts, I can’t go to school.” While some worry about physical causes like food or digestion, others suspect their child is making excuses. However, experts suggest that the real reason behind a child’s stomach ache may be emotional rather than physical.
Emotional Stress as a Cause
Howard Schubiner, a Clinical Professor at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, explained that children experiencing stomach pain before school may be responding to emotional stress. “When a child is having a tummy ache before going to school, chances are there's nothing wrong with them. Chances are there's something in their life that they just feel unsafe about,” he said in a recent podcast.
This does not mean the child is lying or pretending. The connection between emotions and physical sensations is well recognized. “We have fMRI studies of the brain showing stress and emotions are intimately related to pain. I would say the medical profession has a really good awareness in children that stress can cause pain,” Schubiner noted.
Common Emotional Triggers
Young children may not have the words to explain their feelings. If your child complains of a tummy ache before school, it may be linked to:
- School-related anxiety: Worries about a test, homework, or fear of a teacher.
- The “I don’t fit in” feeling: Loneliness or friendship problems causing social stress.
- Fear of failure: Pressure to perform well and anxiety about not being “good enough.”
- Bullying or uncomfortable experiences: Reluctance to share what’s happening at school, with stress shown through physical complaints.
What Parents Can Do
A common mistake parents make is dismissing the complaint, especially if it happens regularly. However, regular complaints make it even more important to address the root cause. While not ignoring the physical discomfort, parents can gently open a conversation. Ask if there’s anything bothering them or if something happened at school. Contacting teachers or classmates can also help identify issues.
In essence, a child’s tummy ache before school may not always be about the stomach. It can be a small signal that they need reassurance, support, and help expressing their feelings.
