• Not wanting to participate in normal daily activities

• Nervous or anxious habits such as nail biting and hair twirling/pulling

• Withdrawing from friends

• Behavioral regression

Create a stress-free zone

All kids are different, and there is no one “right” way to cope with stress. Most young children can benefit, though, from having a designated spot where they can escape.

The particular location can vary from child to child, to suit their personalities.

For a child who loves music and art, for example, create a corner that includes a music player with headphones, art supplies and a cozy spot to sit, listen and create. For a more active kid who needs to move, the retreat might be stocked with a jump rope, stress balls and dough to pound.

Coloring books are a great way for kids to release pent-up tension while taking a break (there’s a reason those “adult” coloring books are so popular), and bubbles can help kids learn to utilize deep breathing.

Use deep breathing exercises

Deep relaxation breathing is the best way to calm down when stress and/or anxiety become overwhelming. Given that everyone has individual needs and preferences, there isn’t one magic breathing exercise that works for all. Try these, and practice daily:

• Rainbow Breathing: Ask your child to sit comfortably with his eyes closed and practice breathing in for a count of four, holding for four, then breathing out for four. Take an imaginary walk on a rainbow while your child practices deep breathing. Ask your child to think about his favorite red things on the red stripe, his favorite orange things on orange and continue until you finish the rainbow.

• Balloon breathing: Blowing up balloons is a great metaphor for kids because they understand that to inflate a balloon you need to use controlled breathing. Ask your child to close his eyes and count his breathing while imagining that he’s inflating a balloon of his favorite color. When the balloon is full, cue your child to visualize the balloon floating away into the clouds.

• Guided imagery: Some kids enjoy storytelling, and this can be a great way to calm the senses while engaging in deep breathing. Have your child sit comfortably with his eyes closed and ask him to describe an imaginary place he would like to visit. While your child focuses on his breathing, take him on a guided trip to his calming destination. Be sure to provide gentle reminders about slow, deep breathing along the journey.

Childhood stress can have a variety of triggers, and it can sneak up on kids. Open and honest communication about feelings and emotions reminds kids that they can seek help when life feels complicated, but the best gift you can give your child is unconditional love.

Kids will encounter stress and hard days, that’s part of life. Knowing that you will listen and help them empowers them to work through their stress, instead of stuffing it down and potentially making it worse.

• Katie Hurley is a child and adolescent psychotherapist and parenting educator in Los Angeles, and the author of “The Happy Kid Handbook: How to Raise Joyful Children in a Stressful World.”