Childhood Headaches: What Parents Need to Know and Do

Headaches in kids are surprisingly common, but as a parent, it’s never easy watching your child in pain. Sometimes it’s a mild tension headache after a long day; other times it’s a sharp pain that sends you into a panic. Why do these headaches happen—and what should you actually do?

The first thing to nail down is: when is a headache just a headache, and when is it a sign of something bigger? If your child wakes up with headaches, gets them after a minor bump, or feels sick to their stomach, you want answers fast. Most headaches in kids are due to tension (stress from school or screens), dehydration, missing meals, or poor sleep. But cluster headaches and migraines can show up surprisingly young, sometimes as early as age five.

But headaches aren’t always about something scary. Ever grab a bite late and feel off the rest of the day? Kids are even more sensitive. Skipping breakfast, spending too long in front of a tablet, or getting too little sleep can all trigger pain. Stress from school, friendships, or changes at home can hit too—kids often feel stress physically even when they don’t say it.

So, what should you do when your child gets a headache? Start practical: offer water, a small snack, and a quiet, dim room. Over-the-counter meds like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with doctor guidance, but avoid the urge to medicate right away unless pain is severe. Take a close look at what might have triggered it—were they hunched over the screen for hours, or maybe skipped lunch today?

Parents often ask, "When is it time to worry?" If your child’s headache is sudden and severe, wakes them at night, doesn’t go away with basic care, or comes with vomiting, vision changes, stiff neck, weakness, or confusion, get help fast. These red flags could point to something urgent, and it’s always safer to check with your pediatrician.

Long term, keeping a headache diary can be a lifesaver. Note down what your child ate, how much water they drank, their activities, sleep, and when headaches happen. This often helps spot patterns your doctor can use for figuring out next steps—or even ruling out serious causes. Real stories from parents show that sometimes it’s as simple as switching to better lighting and more water breaks, while for others, tracking triggers points to food sensitivities or even migraines that need special care.

Treating childhood headaches isn’t just about medicine. Regular meals, steady sleep, outdoor breaks, and encouraging kids to talk about what’s bugging them can all make a world of difference. For frequent headaches, a doctor might suggest other checks (like vision screening, allergy testing, or even a neurology referral) to get the full picture.

No one wants to see their kid hurting. But with good info, simple habits, and clear signs to watch for, you can handle childhood headaches with a lot more confidence.