Symptoms of Stress In Children- How Parents Can Help.
How would you feel if you knew your school-aged children were stressed? What if your playful child suddenly withdraws, develops physical issues like vague pain, has disturbed sleep, and does not share with others about what upsets him?
Whether it is your son or daughter, consider these observations an ALERT sign and jump in to intervene.
While the reason behind stress can be academic overload, daily juggling between school and extracurricular activities(even special coaching), peer group pressure, and anxiety, the symptoms of stress are what you need to watch out for. Here are a few.
Emotional Symptoms
Children may become irritable, anxious, or sad when they are stressed.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, trouble sleeping, and changes in appetite or weight are seen in children.
Behavioral Symptoms
Some may become more aggressive, while others are more withdrawn when stressed and have trouble controlling their emotions or following rules and routines.
Cognitive Symptoms
Another symptom is loss of focus and concentration.
How Parents Can Help
Encourage Open Communication– Let your child know they can talk to you about anything, and create a safe and non-judgmental space for them to do so.
Listen Actively– When your child opens up, give them your full attention and try to understand their perspective.
Validate Their Feelings- Let your child know that it’s okay to feel stressed and that their feelings are valid and normal. Give them the trust they seek from you.
Help Them Identify The Source Of Their Stress- Work together to identify the cause of their stress, and help them devise a plan to address it.
Stay Involved- Show an interest in your child’s life, and stay informed about what’s going on with them. It can help you identify potential sources of stress before they become overwhelming.
Connect With Other Parents: Talking to other parents can be a great way to get support and advice on how to help your child manage stress.
Seek Professional Help When Necessary: If your child is struggling with stress, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional therapist or counselor.