CHILDREN AND STRESS
Through my career in childcare I felt passionate to share my knowledge and experience with parents on a daily basis. There is nothing more rewarding than helping families grow and develop together. to give them the tools to achieve better outcomes in life. Children and stress is a subject that I discussed daily with parents in childcare. However indirectly, as parents don’t always recognise the signs and symptoms that children are displaying.
Children and Stress is very much on the news at present. The pandemic is not just affecting parents, but children will be affected too.
WHAT AFFECTS CHILDREN AND STRESS?
You are probably one of the main factors why your child is feeling stressed at present. Sorry for being so blunt, nothing personal, but I think you will relate to this once you hear me out.
The world news is full of information about Corona Virus, and all negative. So many people have been infected. So many have died, lock down affecting people emotionally, physically. Many people who have lost their jobs and so on.
You are listening to the news and announcements from the Prime Minister. Shushing your children who want your attention. Feeling anxious, pressures from working from home, balancing work and childcare and home schooling. Covid affecting your family worries you. You are not bringing as much money as usual while on furlough. Bills still need to be paid. WHEN IS ALL THESE GOING TO END…?
You are exteriorising your worries, you shout, you lose your temper, you have no time to spend quality time with your child. Can you see how your child may be reading this?
There are other reasons that I have observed over the years that might have an affect on children and stress.
- Separation anxiety: Most of the times children stop crying within minutes of being dropped off, however it is a difficult time for parents as children cling to their legs, sobbing for them to stay.
- Divorce/ Separation: This is a massive change to a young child’s routine, so it is bound to have an impact on them. Try not to use children to score points over each other, and try not to talk badly about the other party in front of your child.
- Moving Home: Moving can be very disruptive for parents but for young children the experience can be traumatic. They might not be a part of the decision to move, and they might not understand it. Always prepare your children for a big change and reassure them, about their safety.
- World News: Be aware of disturbing images on TV or what the children may hear from the News or other programs. These might make your child feel unsafe, create anxiety, and give them nightmares that will keep the whole family awake night after night.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
It’s not always easy to recognize when children are stressed, but behavioral changes such as acting out, mood swings, bed wetting and changes to sleep patterns, can be indicators that something is not right.
Some children suffer physical effects, including stomachaches and headaches. Others have trouble concentrating or completing schoolwork. Some other children, become withdrawn or spend a lot of time alone.
Younger children could pick up habits like thumb sucking, hair twirling, or nose picking. Older kids may begin to lie, bully or defy authority. A child who is stressed may overreact to minor problems. Start to have nightmares or become clingy
REDUCING STRESS
By allowing children to get good rest and nutrition can boost children’s coping skills, as well as good parenting. Ensure you make time for your child each day. Even just being in the same room as you, might be enough, make yourself available, so your child knows you are there for them. Try not to make them talk id that is not something they are initiating, it might be better to spend time with them on fun activities.
Even as children get older, quality time is important to them. It’s really hard for some people to come home after work, get down on the floor, and play with their children or just talk to them about their day, especially if they’ve had a stressful day themselves. But expressing interest shows your child that they’re important to you.
You also can help your child by anticipating potentially stressful situations and preparing them for them. For example, let your son or daughter know ahead of time that a doctor’s appointment is coming up and talk about what will happen there. Tailor the information to your child’s age, younger children won’t need as much advance preparation or details as older children.
It is also important to remember, that some level of stress is normal; let your children know that it’s OK to feel angry, scared, lonely, or anxious and that other people share those feelings. Reassurance is important, so remind your child that you’re confident that they can handle the situation.
SOME OTHER HELP…
These are some books that can help your child identify with characters in stressful situations and learn how to cope:
- Dinosaurs Divorceby Marc Brown and Laurene Krasny Brown.
- I don’t want to talk about it by Jeanie Franz Ransom
- Two homes by Claire Masurel
If you want to read more about stress and foods that can help manage symptoms read my blog “Stress reducing foods”, “How does stress impact on food digestion?” and “ we talk about stress”
If you think that you or your child might be suffering with stress and want someone to help, Contact me and take advantage of my “15-Minute FREE Consultation.
