Children these days encounter different types of stress associated to studies, sports, performance and social skills, even when they are in pre-nursery school. This stress may not be visible prominently as in case of adults but children have their own ways of expressing this stress like stomach aches, anxiety, trouble sleeping at night, anger, infections etc.
To overcome this problem you need to first understand what is this stress and ways to tackle it.
What is stress?
Stress is body’s reaction to a physical or emotional situation which bothers a person way too much creating an imbalance in his life. Occasional stress is normal and we not only encounter it on daily basis but also overcome it. Stress becomes a problem when this daily stress becomes overwhelming, which results in increased heart rate, faster breathing and tensed muscles.
Cause of stress
There are various reasons of stress, it may be because of family tension, office work etc. but in case of children it is mainly because of performance anxiety or some fear. Researchers have shown different reasons of stress among children as well such as birthday parties, new pets, or even birth of a new sibling. Parents need to be aware of any change in the child’s behaviour as any sudden change in their behaviour may be associated with stress.
Strategies to reduce stress
As a parent you always need to promote positive environment at home, no matter how tensed you are that stress should not reach your children. Help your child convey his feelings to you fearlessly. One thing you need to remember is that your child is going to imitate you for first few years, so never express your anger or do anything wrong in front of him.
Explain patiently all his queries, it may happen he stuck his chord at something and you didn’t explain it to him and that particular thing ran through his mind all night and he couldn’t sleep, that also may cause stress. If he has problem sleeping at night you could help him with stories or songs whatever he likes. You have to try different things, which may be irritating at times for you but you need to maintain your cool.
As a parent it is your duty to avoid stress from entering your child’s life at first place. Even if it enters it is your duty to deal with it positively, encourage your child and beat the stress.