Signs your child is not adjusting to new school year

(CBS News) By now, the new school year has begun for most kids across the country. Going back to school is a major change, requiring many to shift schedules and accommodate for different activities. While most adults and children are capable of accepting the changes, some kids have a harder time getting used to the new aspects of their lives.

Child anxiety specialist Rhonda C. Martin, a licensed professional clinical counselor and author of "Stuck" - a guide for kids and parents dealing with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders, compiled a list of warning signs that something might be amiss that's making your child unhappy. Keep clicking to see what behaviors should raise a red flag...

Signs your child is not adjusting to new school year

Complaints of stomach aches before or after school

Some of the most common complaints from children with hidden school issues are stomach aches, diarrhea and nausea. Many of these children are conscientious and rule-following and do not "act out" when upset, but rather internalize their distress, says Martin. These kids visit the restroom multiple times while getting ready for school, don't "feel like" participating in after-school activities and significantly change their eating patterns.

Signs your child is not adjusting to new school year

Creation of rituals or rigid routines

Children who feel distress from a loss of control during the school day often create rituals and routines that "must" be followed, Martin finds.

For example, a child who has a specific seven-step bedtime routine that must be carried out perfectly may be struggling with school adjustment issues. The child who sets his or her clock one hour earlier than necessary and who slowly completes morning preparations may be making a preemptive move to control the day.

Signs your child is not adjusting to new school year

Increased cravings for white flour carbs, white sugar-based foods

According to Martin, significant changes in a food preferences that include increases in consumption of white flour and white sugar-based foods may indicate a child's body is trying to address excessive stress chemicals. Previous research has shown the effect can also be true for adults, with many turning to more candy and cakes during the recent economic downturn.

Macaroni and cheese, cookies, candy bars, pizza, pop, bread and crackers are the items children may crave when in stress overload.

Anxious kids should instead eat protein, vegetables, and whole fruit to nurture their bodies. Martin says eating the wrong foods when stressed only exacerbates the negative symptoms and continues the maladaptive stress cycle.

Signs your child is not adjusting to new school year

Significant increases in sibling rivalry

Most children become more amiable and cooperative when they have a structured schedule with predictable events.

As a result of this tendency, many parents will notice deviations from the normal schedule - such as three-day weekends, winter and spring breaks - as times when there is increased conflict and disharmony between siblings. Usually during the summer months, fights between siblings are at a high as well. Thus, Martin says, most families can expect an increase in peace and harmony by the end of September.

But, if an increase in sibling rivalry occurs and is maintained after the first month of school, this could be a red flag for parents.

Signs your child is not adjusting to new school year

Unable to fall asleep after third week of school

When a summer filled with late nights and sleeping-in ends abruptly, parents should expect a period of adaptation while children adjust to the new bedtime and early alarm clock. However Martin says by the third week of school, children should be used to the daily demands and calibrated to sleep at bedtime. If they haven't adjusted, it may be a sign of a bigger problem.

A warm shower 15 minutes before bed may assist the child in falling into deep, restorative sleep. If a child is having trouble falling asleep within 25 minutes, a parent should let him or her get up for 10 minutes and read quietly before trying again.

Preparing the body for rest with a shower and mentally conditioning the mind that bed is only for sleep  - and not for lying restlessly - are essential to keep in mind when addressing children's sleep issues, according to Martin.

Signs your child is not adjusting to new school year

Increases in use of unacceptable words, language

Martin says using foul or inappropriate language may sometimes be due to mental exhaustion, fatigue, frustration or unhappiness in general or with a particular issue.

Preschoolers may increase the words "stupid, dumb and idiot" in their vocabulary. Elementary children may repeat words used in video games such as "kill, die, death" and even some four-letter words. Older children may repeat phrases about death and killing and use a multitude of curse words. Noticeable changes in vocabulary may indicate other problems that a parent should address.

Signs your child is not adjusting to new school year

Remains stuck on minor negative events instead of focusing on evening activities

When a child comes home from school and fixates for hours on what a classmate called him or her at lunch, and "refuses" to go to football practice, Martin says attention is warranted. If the child is angry that another group of students would not let him or her play with them at recess and cries about this through dinner, those daytime concerns become "stuck."

Parents should be on the look out if their child with school stress become stuck on such issues for long periods of the evening and at bedtime as well.

Signs your child is not adjusting to new school year

Increased intolerance for directions, chores

Distressed children can only focus on one thing at a time, says Martin. Interruptions, directives, transitions or chores may make a meltdown imminent among these kids.

A parent may ask a child to pick up her shoes, socks and backpack, but the child returns a loud shriek because she is watching her favorite TV show. A parent may indicate that it is time to take a sibling to soccer, but the child curses a string of inappropriate words while he or she continues to play a video game. In these cases, the child's aversion to distractions may be a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed.

Signs your child is not adjusting to new school year

Cannot name four children they like at school

Most well-adjusted, happy children can readily name five to 10 children that they like at school, according to Martin. Many who are struggling with bullying, shyness, anxiety or depression struggle to name one or two friendly children.

Parents should ask their child to name those he or she likes and give prompts, such as, "Who is your favorite friend at lunch?," "Who do you like to sit with on the bus?" and "Who do you play with at recess?" Make certain that the child can name a nice circle of friends including a few dependable "can always go to" friends.

Signs your child is not adjusting to new school year

Cannot be comforted with favorite things

Young children generally can be comforted with a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, doll or movie. Older children can usually relax when playing a video game, emailing a friend, engaging in a sport or going to the mall with a few friends.

Parents should be familiar with three or four comfort items/activities and present them often to the child when something seems amiss. If the child consistently remains distressed in the presence of such items, it may be time to visit your pediatrician.