How to recognise early signs of burnout, bullying, or homesickness in children

Children may not always have the words to express when something is wrong, but their behaviour often does. Recognising the early signs of burnout, bullying, or homesickness can help prevent long-term emotional distress and support children in navigating the complex emotions that come with growing up, moving countries, or facing social challenges.

RTL Today spoke to Béatrice Ruppert, deputy director at the Pro Familia Foundation, to understand how parents can better support children facing emotional difficulties.

Burnout in children: emotional overload

While burnout is commonly associated with adults, Ruppert explains that children can also experience emotional exhaustion. Childhood burnout may develop in response to ongoing family conflicts, chronic stress at school, or high expectations that they can no longer meet.

Warning signs may include:

• Sadness or anxiety
• Irritability
• Physical complaints

"It's completely normal, and even healthy, for children to feel these emotions from time to time. However, they become concerning when they are intense, frequent, or persistent to the point of affecting the child's well-being and daily functioning", says Ruppert.

These signs act as alerts and protection mechanisms. A child may be expressing, sometimes without words, that they are struggling and need support. It is up to the adult to listen to these signals and try to understand what is overwhelming the child.

By identifying the child's needs, the adult can take action, for example, by encouraging the child to talk about their worries, providing them with rest time, or adapting their environment.

Bullying: what to look for

Bullying is defined as repeated actions or words intended to demean or put down a child, occurring within a relationship with someone the child knows, and persisting frequently and over time. This can happen at school, within the family, in recreational clubs, etc.

In addition, online bullying – also known as cyber bullying – is increasingly common, including the sharing of humiliating videos or photos, insulting messages, and psychological pressure.

Bullying often causes a child to feel powerless and isolated, with long-term effects on self-esteem and confidence.
Indicators that a child may be bullied include:

• Social withdrawal
• Irritability
• Persistent sadness
• Physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches, etc.)

"There's no single, clear symptom, and bullying is often hard to detect, especially when the child doesn't speak up. Indeed, out of fear, shame, or guilt, some children are reluctant to confide their feelings. That's why it's essential to observe behavioural changes and maintain a climate of trust, so the child feels safe enough to express what they're experiencing", explains Ruppert.

Are expatriate children more vulnerable?

Children most at risk of bullying are often those who present both a perceived difference (such as a distinct cultural or social background) and emotional vulnerability, which makes them easier targets for bullies.

However, Ruppert notes that not all "different" children are bullied. "The risk mainly increases when those differences are coupled with low self-esteem or emotional fragility. So it's not simply being an expatriate or not speaking the local language that puts a child at risk of bullying, but rather how they are perceived – if they appear emotionally fragile or lacking in self-confidence, they may be more likely to become a target", she explains.

Homesickness: recognising a sense of loss for a life left behind

According to Ruppert, a child who has had to leave their country of origin may experience feelings of loss, separation from part of their family, friends, or the disappearance of familiar cultural routines – especially if they move to a very different environment. "This situation can create a sense of insecurity, particularly during the adjustment phase to a new way of life", says Ruppert.

Signs of homesickness may include:

• Sadness, frustration, and/or anger
• Trouble making new friends

"We can help children navigate this transition in the best way possible by both maintaining ties to their previous life (staying in touch with loved ones, preserving certain rituals or traditions from their home country), and supporting them in building confidence to thrive in their new environment", says Ruppert.

It is equally important to acknowledge and validate the emotions children may experience during these transitions. They need stable, caring adults who provide warmth and support, helping them feel truly welcomed and a genuine sense of belonging in their new environment.