How To Help Children Manage Their Stress
When is distress something more serious? When does it become something that warrants specialized help? As children get older and take on new responsibilities, more activities, and larger homework loads, they are more susceptible to stress.
Whether it’s family, friends, school, or something else causing your child distress, if he exhibits any of these signs of anxiety, it may be time to act. Look at these eight signs which indicated that your child may be dealing with stress.
- Nightmares
- Trouble concentrating and completing schoolwork
- Increased aggression
- Bedwetting
- Hyperactive behavior
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Eating or sleeping disorders
- Overreactions to minor problems
You can also follow these suggestions to promote well-being in your family:
- Validate your child’s experiences: Instead of offering falsely positive reassurances or irritated dismissals about your child’s emotions and questions, acknowledge what you’re observing and hearing from them. Think about their behaviors as signals that something is amiss. You can’t make things better, but you’ll offer comfort to ease their pain and fear.
- Stick with the facts: Real information is key. Kids need clear guidelines about the purpose of the quarantine and what actions they can and can’t take. Limit your family’s exposure to the news and be aware of what you are saying.
- Remember that we are suffering apart and together: There’s a universal feeling of unease right now, which is combined with the loss of usual routines and decreased social, in-person contact. Staying connected to your social network is essential.
- Avoid over-using substances or discussing how they can ease your pain: Go for a family walk after dinner, play a game, or watch a show together. Discuss your frustrations in appropriate ways rather than falling back on self-medication.
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
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