"My 10-year-old frequently gets headaches—sometimes a few times a week

 


A Reader Asks:

*"My 10-year-old frequently gets headaches—sometimes a few times a week. Some are like migraines, but most are milder and last a few hours to a couple of days. These headaches are interfering with her daily life, including sports and activities she loves, like creative writing.

Her pediatrician says it might just be part of growing up, but it’s been happening for years and is getting more frequent. I’m wondering if it could be related to something else, like wisdom teeth or impacted teeth starting to come in. Any coping strategies? Are there products that might help her find relief?"*

The Answer:
Ah, the mysterious and infuriating world of kid headaches. First of all, let’s commend you for noticing the pattern and wanting to tackle it—it’s not easy to deal with when your child is in pain and the answers seem vague at best.

What Could Be Causing These Headaches?

  1. Growing Pains—Literally:
    Yes, sometimes kids do just get headaches as part of development. Hormonal changes, growth spurts, or even dietary shifts can trigger them.

  2. Wisdom Teeth or Dental Issues:
    Even though she’s 10, it’s not too early for wisdom teeth or other dental shifts to cause pain that radiates to the head. It’s worth checking with a dentist or orthodontist to rule this out.

  3. Screen Time & Posture:
    With school, sports, and creative writing, she might be spending a lot of time hunched over. Poor posture, screen time, or even eye strain could be contributing factors.

  4. Stress & Mental Load:
    She’s imaginative and creative, but sometimes that also means she could be internalizing stress—whether from school, social dynamics, or even her own perfectionism.

  5. Environmental Triggers:
    Take note of whether these headaches coincide with specific foods, dehydration, or changes in weather. Even scents (like perfumes or cleaners) can be a culprit.

Strategies to Try:

  1. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration:
    You’ve heard it before, but kids are notoriously bad at drinking enough water. Make sure she’s sipping throughout the day.

  2. Encourage Breaks:
    If she’s staring at a screen or writing for extended periods, enforce the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

  3. Track the Triggers:
    Keep a headache diary to track when and where the headaches happen. Does she skip lunch on sports days? Do they spike after certain foods? This can give you (and her doctor) valuable clues.

  4. Consult a Dentist or Orthodontist:
    Wisdom teeth or other dental issues can absolutely cause headaches, even at her age. A quick consult can rule this out—or identify an easy fix.

  5. Teach Relaxation Techniques:
    Introduce simple breathing exercises or mindfulness apps designed for kids. Stress management can go a long way.

Three Amazon Products to Provide Relief:

  1. Migraine Relief Hat (Cold Therapy Cap):

    • Provides cooling relief for headaches and migraines. It’s like an ice pack that wraps around her head, perfect for those post-school episodes.

  2. Blue Light Blocking Glasses for Kids:

    • If screen time is contributing to her headaches, these affordable glasses can help reduce eye strain and prevent fatigue.

  3. Acupressure Headache Relief Tool:

    • A handheld tool that stimulates pressure points to alleviate tension headaches. Fun to use and surprisingly effective!

A Little Humor (Because Headaches Deserve Laughs Too):

Headaches at 10? What is she, a tiny adult stressed about mortgage rates? While her pediatrician might think this is “just growing up,” you’re absolutely right to dig deeper. Let’s get her relief so she can focus on being a kid—not planning a budget spreadsheet or worrying about dental work.

Hang in there, superparent. With a little detective work and some cool Amazon finds, you’ll have her back to her creative, headache-free self in no time.

Worth a shot?

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