A Holistic Approach to Understanding Physical Tension and Emotional Triggers in Children


This post comes from my experience with my twins who are now very close to being 8 years old. Each of them have had their own experiences navigating symptoms and learning to listen to their body.

As people have heard me talk about their stories and experiences they have asked me how I do it.

Here is a summary of my ideas and thoughts.

I hope they are helpful for you.

When children experience physical or emotional challenges, it’s often easier, for adults, to label them as part of a phase.

But what if these signals are opportunities to better understand the body’s connection to the environment, emotions, and overall well-being?

In many cases, recurring physical symptoms—like tightness in the abdomen, digestive issues, or irregular bodily responses—may reveal more than meets the eye.

They invite us to explore how the nervous system, diet, and external stressors work together. Here’s an approach you can consider when navigating these signs with children.

Step 1: Listening to the Body’s Signals

Children often express tension and discomfort through their bodies before they’re able to verbalize what’s wrong. And because they have trouble verbalizing, the first signs are often in behaviours that seem totally out of character for them.

Monitoring patterns, such as abdominal tightness, can help uncover potential underlying causes. For example, you might notice that tension in the belly coincides with irregular bodily responses or emotional fluctuations.

Rather than dismissing these patterns as random, consider them meaningful cues—just as you would interpret hunger or fatigue. Engaging children in recognizing how their body feels (in a playful and non-pressured way) can foster self-awareness and reduce stress.

Step 2: Exploring Food Sensitivities

Diet plays a key role in physical regulation. Identifying potential food sensitivities—not necessarily allergies—can be helpful. Working with a naturopath or exploring elimination diets may reveal sensitivities contributing to physical tension. (and remember sensitivities aren’t necessarily life long.. with my kids we removed foods and then as their symptoms changed we were able to re-introduce them)

Even if testing isn’t an option, keeping a food and symptom journal to observe patterns can be effective. Consider asking the child how their belly feels before and after meals or at different times in the day and noticing any connections. Remember the key is to be curious. It isn’t to fix.

Step 3: Using Gentle Body Work to Release Tension

Body work, such as sessions with an osteopath, can help relieve abdominal or muscular tightness. The key is finding a practitioner who resonates with the child and creates a calm, trusting environment. This process doesn’t have to be frequent; even occasional sessions can build a sense of consistency and comfort.

Make sure the practitioner meets the child at their level—some kids thrive with humour, while others prefer a straightforward, grounded approach.

Step 4: Recognizing the Role of Emotional Absorption

Children are sensitive to their surroundings, often absorbing emotional stress from family or environmental situations. When a child experiences heightened physical responses during periods of family stress, it could be an expression of emotional overload.

Supporting their emotional regulation can be just as important as addressing physical symptoms.

Kid-focused practices like yoga Nidra, art therapy, or other creative outlets can help children process emotions in nonverbal ways, giving them a chance to “offload” without needing to explain their feelings.

Step 5: Reducing Pressure and Creating a Supportive Environment

One of the most powerful things you can do is to approach physical symptoms without blame or pressure.

Reframing how you talk about them makes a difference. Instead of framing bodily responses as something “wrong” or problematic, treat them as information to help the child better understand their body.

Neutral language, playful awareness exercises, and supportive conversations create a safe space for healing and learning.

Step 6: The Power of Consistency and Connection

Whether it’s a consistent bodywork schedule, regular creative practices, or simply maintaining open communication, children benefit from structure and predictable care. Establishing supportive routines can help them feel safe and gradually reduce physical tension over time.

Key Takeaways for Parents or Caregivers:

  • Observe and Monitor Patterns: Notice connections between diet, environment, and physical symptoms.
  • Explore Diet Adjustments: Work with a practitioner or journal food triggers and sensitivities.
  • Introduce Body Work: Try gentle osteopathy or bodywork with practitioner your child enjoys.
  • Support Emotional Expression: Encourage nonverbal outlets like art, movement, or play.
  • Keep It Low Pressure: Avoid making symptoms “wrong” or a point of frustration.

By addressing the child’s body and environment holistically, you provide a foundation for both physical relief and emotional resilience. They begin to honour curiosity, they learn to recognize their symptoms aren’t wrong but messengers from their body that are worthy to be listened to.

All in all, the path to progress is so much faster when we step away from looking at symptoms as being wrong, and see them as indicators. And, it is an amazing experience for kids to learn too.