Coping With Stress

In today's fast paced society, it is not uncommon for even young children to be exposed to stress. With the heavy work load and competition that schools provide nowadays, children as young as 6 years old have first hand experience with stress. Some parents have extremely high expectations of their children thus unknowingly inflict stress on them. Therefore, it is vital to help children to cope with stress.

Sources Of Stress

The Individual

Every child is an unique individual and is born with characteristics special to himself or herself. This can affect the way they react to people, events and stress.

Environment

For most children, stress from the environment comes primarily from home and school.

Major Events

There are many major events throughout their development. They are likely to experience some degree of stress throughout their whole growing up phase.

Interpersonal Relationships

A child will experience less stress if their relationships with people are warm, loving, accepting and affirming.

Effects Of Excessive Stress

Emotional Problems

• Depression
• Shyness and sensitivity
• Inadequacy
• Fear and anxiety

Conduct Problems

• Disobedience
• Stealing
• Refusal to attend school
• Aggression

Physical Problems

• Nervous mannerisms
• Illness

Dealing With Stress

Parents play an important role in helping the child to deal with the stress. They can help the child to adapt to the home environment by making it as comfortable as possible for the child. Setting realistic expectations and providing sufficient freedom would help by lightening of some of the stress that is present. Every parent wants their child to do well, but it is important to avoid over burdening the child and to ensure that they have fun at the same time. The most important part is to teach your child how to cope with the stress and a strong parent-child relationship will allow the child to have a strong sense of security whenever he/she is feeling lost.