Practical strategies for parents to support children navigating GI symptoms at school
Written by Dr. Antonia Repollet
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Certified School Psychologist
GI Psychology
Back-to-school season can be a stressful time for any child, but for children dealing with gastrointestinal (GI) issues, it often brings a unique mix of physical discomfort, anxiety, and social challenges. Whether your child is coping with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), functional abdominal pain, or food-related fears, the overlap of physical symptoms and emotional stress can significantly impact their academic and social life.
As both a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist specializing in Disorders of the Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs), I’ve worked with many families navigating this journey. The good news? With the right support and strategies, children can thrive both inside and outside of the classroom.
Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection in Children
The gut and brain are deeply connected through a network of nerves, chemicals, and hormones known as the gut-brain axis. When a child is anxious, their gut often feels it, leading to symptoms like nausea, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, etc.. These aren’t “just in their head”; they are real, physical experiences triggered by emotional stressors.
In fact, up to 25% of school-aged children experience recurrent abdominal pain without a detectable medical cause, often tied to stress, transitions, or social pressure (Rasquin et al., 2006).
Why School Can Be So Challenging for Kids with GI Issues
Children may worry about:
- Having a bathroom accident or being denied bathroom access
- Eating around others due to food sensitivities or fears
- Explaining their condition to peers or teachers
- Missing class for medical appointments or due to symptoms
- Being seen as different, weak, or “weird”
These fears can lead to school avoidance, social withdrawal, and worsening symptoms, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.
How Parents Can Help: Practical, Evidence-Based Strategies
1. Collaborate with the School Early
Establish communication with the school nurse, teacher, and, if needed, the 504 or IEP team. Help your child feel empowered by letting them be part of the conversation when appropriate.
2. Normalize Talking About the Body and Emotions
Help your child understand that physical symptoms and emotions are connected. Using developmentally appropriate language, validate their discomfort and teach simple language to explain it to others (e.g., “My stomach hurts when I’m nervous”).
3. Create a Coping Toolbox
Equip your child with a go-to set of tools they can use at school, such as:
- Scented putty or calming fidgets
- Breathing strategies (e.g., belly breathing, straw breathing)
- Positive self-statements (e.g., “I’ve gotten through this before.”)
- A hall pass or plan for quiet breaks
4. Use Predictable Routines and Previewing
If your child is anxious about transitions (like lunch, recess, or gym), talk through these moments the night before or that morning. Help them visualize using their tools in those settings.
5. Offer “Practice Runs” or Graded Exposures
Rather than pushing your child to return to a full day after an absence, consider graduated exposures:
- Visiting the school building after hours
- Attending part of the day
- Practicing eating lunch at school without pressure
This is especially helpful for children with school-related functional abdominal pain (Saps et al., 2012).
6. Be a Calm Co-Regulator
Your child picks up on your cues. Even if you’re anxious about their symptoms or school struggles, model confidence and calmness. Practice brief co-regulation strategies together, like squeezing hands, naming “one thing we see, hear, feel,” or gently humming to relax the vagus nerve.
When to Seek Additional Support
If your child is…
- Missing frequent days of school
- Avoiding all social situations
- Showing signs of depression or panic
- Experiencing significant weight loss, food restriction, or sleep challenges
…it may be time to involve a pediatric GI therapist. Early intervention is key in preventing long-term emotional or physical complications.
Final Thoughts
Supporting a child with GI issues is not just about symptom management, it’s about fostering emotional resilience, self-advocacy, and confidence in their body. When school feels like a safe and supportive place, kids can focus less on their gut and more on being kids.
If your child is struggling, you are not alone, and neither are they. The gut-brain connection is real, but with the right tools and care, your child can learn to navigate it with strength and support.
Connect with one of GI Psychology’s expert clinicians to learn if our approach could be helpful for your child and schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
References
Rasquin, A., Di Lorenzo, C., Forbes, D., Guiraldes, E., Hyams, J. S., Staiano, A., & Walker, L. S. (2006). Childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders: child/adolescent. Gastroenterology, 130(5), 1527–1537.
Saps, M., Adams, P., Bonilla, S., Chogle, A., & Nichols-Vinueza, D. (2012). Parental report of abdominal pain and abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders from a community survey. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 55(6), 707–710.