Headaches That Stop Kids in Their Tracks
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
When Your Child Complains of Head Pain and You Are Not Sure What to Do Next
A child holding their head, rubbing their temples or withdrawing from light and noise can be difficult to witness. You may wonder if it is just tiredness, if they are coming down with something, or if there is something more to be concerned about. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we understand how unsettling headaches can feel for both children and parents. We are here to offer clarity, calm and thoughtful care.
Headaches are common in children of all ages. Most are not serious, but they can still affect your child’s comfort, concentration and mood. With the right support, we can help identify what is going on and guide you toward effective relief.
What Causes Headaches in Children
Children can experience many of the same types of headaches as adults. These may include:
Tension headaches, often related to stress, posture or tiredness
Migraines, which may include nausea, light sensitivity or visual symptoms
Sinus headaches, due to congestion or allergies
Dehydration or skipped meals, which can trigger head pain
Screen time or poor sleep habits, which may affect older children
Underlying conditions, though these are much less common
Sometimes headaches are isolated. Other times they are part of a pattern that points to something more. Our role is to help you understand when to observe and when to act.
What You Might Notice in Your Child
Headaches can be hard to spot, especially in younger children who may not yet have the words to explain what they feel. Here are a few signs that may gently point toward a headache:
Physical Clues
Your child may hold or press their head, rub their temples, or ask to lie down. Some children squint, close their eyes or avoid bright lights. In older children, you may hear clear complaints like "my head hurts" or "it feels tight."
Changes in Behaviour
You might notice your child becoming quieter than usual, more irritable or wanting to rest. They may shy away from screens, sounds or movement. For some, the headache brings on a desire to be alone in a calm space.
Additional Symptoms
Headaches may be accompanied by nausea, dizziness or sensitivity to light or sound. Some children describe blurry vision or a heavy feeling in their head.
If your child experiences frequent or intense headaches, we are here to listen, understand and guide you with gentle, supportive care.
How We Support Children with Headaches at Joyful Seeds
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we take every concern seriously. We begin with a detailed discussion to understand your child’s experience, patterns and possible triggers. Our care is always gentle, thorough and personalised.
During your visit, your child’s care may include:
A full history of the headache pattern, including possible stressors or lifestyle factors
A gentle physical examination, including neurological checks
Screening for underlying conditions if there are red flags
Guidance on hydration, nutrition, sleep and screen habits
Child-safe medication plans if needed
Advice on tracking symptoms and recognising early signs
Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu approach headache care with experience and sensitivity. They take time to help both the child and parent feel heard, supported and empowered with clear next steps.
Caring for the Whole Child, Not Just the Pain
Headaches can affect more than just the head. They can cause missed school days, reduced energy, emotional frustration and worry. At Joyful Seeds, we recognise the impact headaches can have on your child’s overall wellbeing and family life. That is why our care goes beyond symptom relief.
We offer tools for prevention, guidance on healthy daily rhythms and support for managing stress or emotional load. Whether the headaches are occasional or frequent, we are here to walk alongside you in finding solutions that feel right for your child.
Let Us Help You Make Sense of the Pain
If your child has been experiencing headaches that are frequent, severe or hard to understand, we invite you to visit us. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we offer calm, thoughtful care that brings relief, clarity and peace of mind. Let us help your child feel better, think clearer and return to the joys of childhood without the cloud of head pain.
