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As parents, we all strive to provide the best for our children and want them to grow up healthy and successful. However, life can be unpredictable, and stress can sneak in, affecting our children's well-being. It is crucial to acknowledge that children and teens are not immune to stress and can experience it from various sources, including school, friendships, family, expectations, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Importance of “Tuning In” to Your Child or Teen’s Stress
Stress in children and teens refers to the physiological and psychological responses to challenging situations or demands that exceed their ability to cope effectively. Stress can be caused by a range of factors, including academic pressure, social challenges, family conflict, and major life changes.
Like adults, children and teens experience stress in different ways. Physical symptoms of stress in children may include headaches, stomach aches, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite. Psychological symptoms may include irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
While some stress can provide the energy to tackle challenges, too much stress can be harmful harmful. Watch for signs such as:
- Moodiness
- Irritability
- Withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed
- Complaining more than usual about school
- Crying for no apparent reason or more frequently than normal
- Displaying surprising fearful reactions
- Clinging to a parent or teacher
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Eating too much or too little
With teens, spending more time with and confiding in peers is a typical part of growing up. However, if they are avoiding their parents, abandoning long-time friendships for a new set of peers, or expressing excessive hostility toward family members, it may indicate that they are experiencing significant stress.
Understand that “Feeling Sick” May Be Caused by Stress
As parents, we often associate physical symptoms such as stomach aches and headaches with illnesses or infections. However, stress can also cause these symptoms, especially in children. It's essential to understand this link and be aware of the potential signs that your child is experiencing stress.
If a child complains of frequent stomachaches or headaches or makes excessive trips to the school nurse (when their physician has given them a clean bill of health), it could be a sign that they are experiencing significant stress. For instance, a child with a history of being a good eater may suddenly complain of stomachaches before school, or a child who once enjoyed going to school may complain of headaches before a big test or presentation.
It's essential to take these physical symptoms seriously and address them as soon as possible. Parents can start a conversation with their children and express their concerns. They can also work with their child to develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or positive self-talk, to manage stress.
Monitor Your Child or Teen’s Interactions
Social interactions play a vital role in a child's development, and changes in social behavior can be a sign of underlying stress or emotional issues. Therefore, it's crucial for parents to be aware of how their child or teen interacts with others and to take proactive steps to address any potential sources of concern.
For instance, if your child once enjoyed spending time with friends but suddenly becomes withdrawn or isolated, it could be a sign of social anxiety or depression. Similarly, if your teen begins to avoid family gatherings or express hostility toward family members, it could indicate underlying emotional distress related to family dynamics or relationships.
To monitor your child's social interactions, network with other parents and communicate with teachers, school administrators, and leaders of extracurricular activities. For example, if your child is experiencing bullying or peer pressure, communicating with their teacher or coach can help you understand the root cause of the behavior and develop strategies to address it.
It's also essential to be aware of any changes in your child's behavior related to social media. The use of social media platforms and digital communication can impact a child's mental health and well-being. For instance, if your child spends excessive time on social media, it may affect their self-esteem or lead to cyberbullying.
Identify Signs of Stress Through Communication
Children and teens may not be familiar with the word "stress" and its meaning. Instead, they may express their distress through other words such as "worried," "confused," "annoyed," and "angry." Parents must listen to these words and statements and understand why their child or teen is saying them. For example, a child who says they are "worried" about school may be experiencing academic pressure or social anxiety.
Children and teens may also express feelings of stress by saying negative things about themselves, others, or the world around them. For instance, a child who says, "no one likes me" may be experiencing social isolation or low self-esteem.
To identify signs of stress through communication, parents should create a safe and supportive environment for their child to express their feelings. Encouraging open communication and active listening can help parents gain insight into their child's emotional state.
It's also essential for parents to be aware of changes in their child's communication patterns. For instance, if a typically talkative child becomes withdrawn or avoids communication, it may be a sign of emotional distress. Similarly, if a teen suddenly stops sharing their feelings with their parents, it could indicate underlying stress related to academic or social pressures.
Seek Professional Support for Your Child's Stress
As parents, we want to give our children the support they need to thrive. However, sometimes, despite our best efforts, our child may be experiencing overwhelming feelings of stress that we are not equipped to handle alone. For instance, a psychologist may use cognitive-behavioral therapy to help a child or teen reframe negative thoughts and develop positive self-talk. Alternatively, a psychologist may recommend relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help manage stress.
Final Words
The article focuses on identifying signs of stress in children and adolescents and providing guidance to parents on supporting their children.
Stress can manifest in various ways, including changes in behavior, physical symptoms, and communication patterns. Parents should be attentive to these signs and take proactive steps to address potential sources of stress.
To support their children, parents can monitor their social interactions, listen to their communication, and seek professional support if necessary. By creating a supportive and safe environment for their children, parents can help them build resilience and thrive emotionally.
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