Parents see kids’ life as happy and carefree. After all, kids do not have to worry about school tuition fees, monthly bills and job security. But the fact is, kids, just like any other person of any age undergo, at some point and to some degree, stress.
Where does stress come from?
School is the primary source of stress. Relationships with family, especially when they are exposed to violence at home, can add to stress. Pressure from peers, feeling of being unwanted, physical appearance or defects, and fear of rejection will stress kids. Also, little do parents know that kids treat chores as adults treat jobs. While there is no termination in the equation, kids still feel the pressure whenever they have to do chores but their mind wants to do something else.
What can parents or guardians do about it?
Always keep communication open. Kids need someone who listens to them and understands them.
Talk to your kids about how they feel in school, at home and while they are playing and doing some home chores. If kids are showing some resistance and begin to complain about their tasks, explain the reasons why they have to do such things. Kids are more emotional than reasonable so be careful when explaining.
Take a hint when kids start to worry about you and your spouse fighting, illness of a relative, troubles in school, bullies in class, and overwhelming tasks they have.
Disturbing images on television and shows that talk about violence, terrorism, war, or natural disasters can cause stress. If possible, do not watch these shows when they are around or at least guide them and explain so that they understand what is going on.
What are the symptoms of a stressed kid?
It is not easy to say if your kids are stressed or not, but short term behavioral changes can be good indicators. Watch out for mood swings, bedwetting, tantrums, changes in sleep patterns, changes in eating habits, isolation, difficulty to focus and concentrate, frequent crying over small things, and chronic anxiety.
Small children, when stressed can have new habits such as hair whirling, nose picking, and thumb sucking. Older kids may begin to defy authority, lie and bully. Drastic changes in academic performance, excessive reactions over minor problems, nightmares, and anxiety when left alone can be an indication of a stressed child.
Kids Stress? What is it?
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