Can children experience burnout? Is childhood burnout real?
We tend to think of burnout as an adult experience, but it can and does happen in childhood, too. Many parents, teachers and caregivers are quietly asking the same question: Why does my child seem so exhausted, overwhelmed, or unmotivated all the time?
So… What is Childhood Burnout?
Well, it isn’t a clinical diagnosis in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders). The DSM-5 is a manual used by mental health professionals to identify and diagnose mental health disorders. It provides specific criteria for conditions and focuses on diagnoses that are used for clinical treatment, research, and insurance purposes. Because of this, it does not include every emotional experience or stress response that children may have. But many experiences such as burnout are widely recognised by psychologists, educators, and researchers even though they are not formal diagnoses.
Childhood burnout describes something very real: ongoing emotional and mental exhaustion in children caused by chronic stress or pressure. This stress might come from school demands, packed schedules, social expectations, or even a child’s own high standards. Burnout isn’t about being busy for a week, it’s about feeling constantly overwhelmed, with little time or space to recharge.
How Burnout Can Show Up in Children
It doesn’t always look “dramatic”. Often, it’s subtle.
A child experiencing burnout might:
Seem tired no matter how much they sleep
Become irritable, tearful, or unusually quiet
Lose interest in activities they once loved
Complain of headaches or stomach aches
Say things like “I don’t care anymore” or “What’s the point?”
These aren’t signs of weakness, but signals that something is too much right now and that a child is emotionally exhausted and overwhelmed.
Childhood burnout is often misunderstood. When we shift our lens from behaviour to wellbeing, our responses naturally become more compassionate.
Burnout can also look different depending on a child’s age. Younger children may become clingy, regress, or have more meltdowns. School-aged children might complain of physical symptoms or resist schoolwork. Teenagers may withdraw, become perfectionistic or disengage altogether.
Why Are More Children Feeling Burned Out?
Children today are growing up in fast-paced, achievement-focused worlds. Many are navigating:
Busy, overscheduled lives with little downtime
Academic pressure and fear of falling behind
Emotional overload, including news, social media and adult worries
Perfectionism, usually driven by a desire to please
Even positive opportunities can become stressful when rest and play disappear from the picture.
What Helps Children Recover from Burnout
Small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference. Helpful supports include:
More unstructured time to play, daydream, or simply be bored
Fewer pressures, even temporarily, to allow nervous systems to settle
Emotional safety, where children can talk without fear of disappointing adults
Reassurance that they are loved for who they are, not what they achieve
What often doesn’t help is pushing harder, offering constant pep talks or trying to fix the problem too quickly. It isn’t solved by motivation alone. Like anyone experiencing burnout, children need space to feel understood before they can re-engage.
A Gentle Reminder for Grown-Ups
When we make space for children to rest, we’re not lowering standards, we’re protecting wellbeing. Sometimes, paying attention to childhood burnout invites us to reflect on our own pace, too. Children don't just learn from what we say; they learn from how we live. Therefore, we should model healthy coping - taking breaks, setting boundaries, talking openly about feelings, and showing that rest is part of a full life.
Even small moments matter: saying out loud that you’re feeling overwhelmed and choosing to pause, or showing how you ask for help, or admitting when you’ve taken on too much. These moments teach children that stress is a normal part of life, but it doesn’t need to be ignored or minimized or pushed through at all costs. When adults show self-compassion and flexibility, children learn that their wellbeing matters just as much as their achievements.
Making a change? Let’s do it together.
Expat Kids Club isn’t just for people who live abroad-–it’s for anyone who identifies as a current or former expat and needs support, anywhere in the world. We also offer video consults and appointments so our clients can build a stable, trusting relationship with their therapist, no matter where life takes them.
We specialize in helping people navigate new experiences and situations from the universal to the unique. Our mission is to help kids, teens, and families build resiliency, discover their identities and values, and form healthy coping strategies to manage the tough moments.
EKC recognizes the importance of treating the family as a unit, bringing everyone together. We work with an individual approach and a systemic mindset to determine the best through any challenge.
Schedule a call today to speak with one of our therapists and see how we can help your family thrive.