Childhood stress and emotional exhaustion during the first week of school

The first week of school often causes significant emotional exhaustion in children, frequently manifesting as irritability or outbursts once they return home. While children may appear well-behaved and attentive in the classroom, they expend immense energy maintaining self-control, following instructions, and navigating new social environments throughout the day.

Researcher Sonia Lupien explains that stress responses are often triggered by four factors, summarized by the acronym CINÉ: lack of Control, Unpredictability, Novelty, and a threat to the Ego. The combination of new teachers, unfamiliar routines, and social pressures creates a high-demand environment that consumes significant mental resources.

Psychologist Cindy Felio notes that children who are described as 'very well-adapted' or 'very well-behaved' at school may experience a total emotional collapse at home. This behavior occurs because the home is a safe environment where children finally feel able to release the tension and exhaustion accumulated during the school day.