As providers and caretakers, adults tend to view the world of
children as happy and carefree. After all, kids don't have jobs to keep
or bills to pay, so what could they possibly have to worry about?
Plenty! Even very young children have worries and feel stress to some degree.
Sources of Stress
Stress is a function of the demands placed on us and our ability to
meet them. These demands often come from outside sources, such as
family, jobs, friends, or school. But it also can come from within,
often related to what we think we should be doing versus what we're actually able to do.
So stress can affect anyone who feels overwhelmed — even kids. In
preschoolers, separation from parents can cause anxiety. As kids get
older, academic and social pressures (especially from trying to fit in)
create stress.
Many kids are too busy to have time to play creatively or relax after
school. Kids who complain about all their activities or who refuse to
go to them might be overscheduled. Talk with your kids about how they
feel about extracurricular activities. If they complain, discuss the
pros and cons of stopping one activity. If stopping isn't an option,
explore ways to help manage your child's time and responsibilities to
lessen the anxiety.
Kids' stress may be intensified by more than just what's happening in
their own lives. Do your kids hear you talking about troubles at work,
worrying about a relative's illness, or arguing with your spouse about
financial matters? Parents should watch how they discuss such issues
when their kids are near because children will pick up on their parents'
anxieties and start to worry themselves.
World news can cause stress. Kids who see disturbing images on TV or
hear talk of natural disasters, war, and terrorism may worry about their
own safety and that of the people they love. Talk to your kids about
what they see and hear, and monitor what they watch on TV so that you
can help them understand what's going on.
Also, be aware of complicating factors, such as an illness, death of a
loved one, or a divorce. When these are added to the everyday pressures
kids face, the stress is magnified. Even the most amicable divorce can
be a difficult experience for kids because their basic security system —
their family — is undergoing a tough change. Separated or divorced
parents should never put kids in a position of having to choose sides or
expose them to negative comments about the other spouse.
Also realize that some things that aren't a big deal to adults can
cause significant stress for kids. Let your kids know that you
understand they're stressed and don't dismiss their feelings as
inappropriate.
Signs and Symptoms
While it's not always easy to recognize when kids are stressed out,
short-term behavioral changes — such as mood swings, acting out, changes
in sleep patterns, or bedwetting — can be indications. Some kids
experience physical effects, including stomachaches and headaches.
Others have trouble concentrating or completing schoolwork. Still others
become withdrawn or spend a lot of time alone.
Younger children may pick up new 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 also
have nightmares, difficulty leaving you, overreactions to minor
problems, and drastic changes in academic performance.
Reducing Stress
How can you help kids cope with stress? Proper rest and good
nutrition can boost coping skills, as can good parenting. Make time for
your kids each day. Whether they need to talk or just be in the same
room with you, make yourself available. Don't try to make them talk,
even if you know what they're worried about. Sometimes kids just feel
better when you spend time with them on fun activities.
Even as kids get older, quality time is important. It's really hard
for some people to come home after work, get down on the floor, and play
with their kids or just talk to them about their day — especially if
they've had a stressful day themselves. But expressing interest shows
that they're important to you.
Help your child cope with stress by talking about what may be causing
it. Together, you can come up with a few solutions like cutting back on
after-school activities, spending more time talking with parents or
teachers, developing an exercise regimen, or keeping a journal.
You can also help by anticipating potentially stressful situations
and preparing kids 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 kids won't need as much advance preparation or details as older
kids or teens.
Remember that some level of stress is normal; let your kids know that
it's OK to feel angry, scared, lonely, or anxious and that other people
share those feelings. Reassurance is important, so remind them that
you're confident that they can handle the situation.
Helping Your Child Cope
When kids can't or won't discuss their stressful issues, try talking
about your own. This shows that you're willing to tackle tough topics
and are available to talk with when they're ready. If a child shows
symptoms that concern you and is unwilling to talk, consult a counselor
or other mental health specialist.
Books can help young kids identify with characters in stressful situations and learn how they cope. Check out Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst; Tear Soup by Pat Schweibert, Chuck DeKlyen, and Taylor Bills; and Dinosaurs Divorce by Marc Brown and Laurene Krasny Brown.
Most parents have the skills to deal with their child's stress. The
time to seek professional attention is when any change in behavior
persists, when stress is causing serious anxiety, or when the behavior
is causing significant problems in functioning at school or at home.
If you need help finding resources for your child, consult your doctor or the counselors and teachers at school.
Reviewed by: Jennifer Shroff Pendley, PhD
Date reviewed: August 2011
Date reviewed: August 2011
