Signs Your Child Is Stressed & How To Help Them Cope
Sources Of Stress Continued
Other sources of stress for children is they may be worried about what is going on in their family, such as if they hear their parents discussing their work issues or arguing, worrying about sick relatives, the death of a family member, and even separation or divorce. Parents should be aware of how they discuss personal and family issues in front of their children as kids are highly mouldable and will pick up on their parents’ anxieties and start worrying themselves. World news and social media can also be a source of stress, as children who view disturbing images or content online or in the media can begin to worry about their own safety and self-image, and start to stress about who they are and their place in the world. Parents should realize certain things that are not a big deal to adults can cause a significant amount of stress for kids, and let your children know you understand they are stressed and do not dismiss how they are feeling, but rather acknowledge it.
Signs & Symptoms Parents Should Look For
While it may not always be obvious or even easy to recognize for many parents, when children experience stress, short-term behavioral changes can be a clear sign something is going on in your child’s life. Some of the physical, emotional, and behavioral signs your child may exhibit if they are stressed out include mood swings, acting out, changes in their sleep pattern such as constantly waking up in the middle of the night, bedwetting, trouble concentrating or completing homework, or they become withdrawn or socially isolated.
Younger children may form new habits such as thumb sucking, hair twirling, or nose picking, while older children may also begin to lie, bully, or defy authority. A stressed-out kid may also overreact to minor issues that arise, experience nightmares, become overly clingy, become aggressive, and have drastic changes in their academic performance, as they may go from being a student who gets As and Bs to earning Cs and Ds. Some typical physical symptoms include headaches, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, stomach aches, and fatigue.
