IS YOUR CHILD BEING AFFECTED BY STRESS?

Resona Health Articles November 18, 2019

These days, there's a lot of conversation about stress and how it affects our health. If you're a mom, you've probably felt stressed at times: when you've been overworked, deprived of sleep, or concerned about the bills. What about girls, though? Do kids get stressed out?

Children of all ages may be affected by stress. Since experiences do not seem stressful to an adult, in the same way, parents often fail to consider stress in their children's lives. Childhood stress, on the other hand, if left unaddressed, may lead to anxiety and, in turn, to more serious physical and mental health problems in the future. As parents and caregivers, we will assist our children in identifying stressors and teaching them how to cope.

Of course, this does not imply that we will eliminate all sources of tension in our children's lives. We shouldn't, either, because manageable stress is a good motivator for kids (i.e., the stress imposed by a teacher helps for doing well in school, or making and sustaining friendships). Reasonable levels of stress can teach your child how to cope with normal adulthood, which often includes inevitable stressors such as those associated with work, families, and financial obligations. Continuous and constant stress is something we can help children escape.

What to Be Aware Of:
Many parents believe that their children are adaptable and resilient to change. This could be valid for a large number of children. However, tension, no matter how minor, may have a negative impact. Since most children haven't learned how to deal with stress, they could be affected by changes.

How do you know when it's time to assist a child in dealing with stress?

Here are some warning signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for:

• Sleep disturbances (e.g., nightmares, fear of the dark)

• Appetite decreases (e.g., loss of interest in food)

• Irritableness (e.g., anxiety, worries, inability to relax)

• A refusal to enroll in school

• Headaches from Bedwetting

• Stranger anxiety

• Grassiness

• Crying uncontrollably

You are the only one who knows your child better than anyone else. It's important to consider and make time for your child if you observe changes in their behavior, such as mood swings, bedwetting, or acting out. It's also helpful to talk about what's causing your child's stress to help them cope. Make it clear to your children that it's okay to express their emotions.

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What Should You Do?

When your children are anxious, spending quality time with them will benefit them. Parents can also do a variety of items, including:

• Assemble a home that is as safe, comfortable, and reliable as possible.

• Allow your child, within reason, to make decisions and exert power.

• Avoid TV shows or movies that may be too frightening for young children.

• Encourage your child to share his or her emotions and inquire about them.

• If something is going to change, listen to your child and give plenty of notice (e.g., family life, job, home, school)

• Allow your child to be patient with you. Your assurances about the situation will help your child cope with anxiety and stress. If things don't seem to be getting better, speak to your pediatrician; he or she will help you find any additional services you may need.