“It’s probably just growing pains…”- Why children’s pain deserves to be taken seriously

Paediatric pain is often dismissed as ‘just growing pains’, but research tells a very different story. Around one in five children live with ongoing pain that can affect sleep, school, sport, emotions and confidence. Pain is not just about injury or damage. It is shaped by the nervous system, learning, emotions and a child’s sense of safety. When children’s pain is brushed off or delayed, it can quietly become more entrenched. At Nurture Paediatrics, we support tamariki and their whānau to understand pain, rebuild confidence in movement, and develop lifelong skills to navigate pain with knowledge, reassurance and care