Burnout is often thought of as something that affects adults in demanding jobs, but experts say children can experience it too. While the pressures facing young people may look different from those faced by adults, prolonged periods of stress and overwhelm can take a toll on children's emotional and physical well-being. The challenge, according to child psychologist Dr.
Patricia Britto, is that children do not always have the language to explain what they are experiencing. "The difficulty is that children won't necessarily come home and tell you they're burnt out," Britto told Newsweek. "Often, it comes through in their behavior instead." Research suggests many young Americans are already experiencing the kind of exhaustion once associated with midlife by the age of 25.
A 2025 survey from Talker Research found that one in four Americans reported hitting peak burnout before turning 30, challenging long-held assumptions about when life's pressures reach their peak. However, burnout can affect children as well. Britto said there is no single reason why children may feel overwhelmed or stressed.
For some, it may be linked to academic pressure, exams or concerns about achievement, while for others it could stem from friendship difficulties, family stress, social media, extracurricular commitments or simply having too much going on. The London-based psychologist shared five signs parents should look out for. She noted: "Remember that one difficult day isn't usually a cause for concern, but if you're seeing several changes at once, or they continue over a period of time, it's worth paying attention." Parents should take notice if a child who is usually easy-going suddenly becomes more irritable, tearful or reactive over things that would not normally bother them.
She said: "When children are overwhelmed, they have less capacity to regulate their emotions and cope with everyday frustrations. From the outside it can look like they're being difficult or overreacting, when actually they may simply be exhausted and struggling to manage everything being asked of them." If a child suddenly no longer wants to play football, attend dance classes, see friends or take part in activities they have always enjoyed, it may be worth paying attention. She explained: "When we're exhausted, even enjoyable things can start to feel like effort.
The same can happen to children. Something they previously looked forward to can begin to feel like another commitment or another thing they have to do." Britto cautioned that children naturally outgrow hobbies and interests, but said "a wider loss of enthusiasm for things they normally enjoy is something to be aware of." "Burnout can be physical as well as emotional. You may have a child who is sleeping but still waking up tired, struggling to get going in the morning or complaining that they're exhausted throughout the day," she said.
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