Is your child stressed?

Some signs of a stressed out kid:
• Crying
• Sweaty palms
• Running away
• Aggressive or defensive outbursts
• Rocking and self-comforting behaviors
• Headaches and stomachaches
• Toileting accidents
• Recurring headaches, stomachaches or nick pain
• Increased irritability, sadness, panic, anger
• Lethargy, daydreaming, withdrawal from activities
• Excessive energy or restlessness
• Nervous habits such as nail biting, hair twisting, thumb-sucking, or sighing deeply
• Trouble getting along with friends
• Trouble relaxing
• Sleeping disorders

Is your child burned out?
Some signs of kid burnout:
• Lost interest in school
• Lost personal happiness
• Lost positive outlook
• Lost excitement for people and activities
• Resentment of people, school or work
• Lost motivation, ambition, and effort
• Sleeplessness
• Emotional volatility
• Nervous habits
• Frequent illness or health complaints
• Dependent and attentions getting behaviors
• Aggression
• Lost sense of humor and perspective
• Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.

Here are some of the most common child stressors among children today, and what parents can do about them:

1. Your child is not ready for school
Although most children look forward to making new friends and learning things, parents must remember that these aren’t the only things that go hand in hand with going to school. A child’s school experience also includes waking up earlier, getting dressed and finishing meals faster, encountering children who may not like him, and even facing competition for the very first time. Do not be pressured into thinking that your child should go to school now to keep up with the other kids, or because your friends or parents say so.

2. Your child is unhappy in his present school
Children have individual differences, they develop different skills at different times, and we personally take this into consideration. When a school correctly adjusts its teaching styles and strategies to match their student’s current development levels, kids enjoy what they’re doing. They also tend to absorb new information more effectively.

3. Your child has developed negative thinking
Sometimes when a child experiences repeated failures and disappointments he develops the tendency towards negative thinking. This reduces his ability to cope in times of stress. Negative thinking causes our brain to panic in stressful situations, making it harder for us to remember that we are in control. To counter such negative thinking, remind your child that he excels in other areas. This will help him cope with the situation better.

4. Your child needs to develop new study habits
Although most students experience a period of acute stress during exam time, this can be avoided by practicing better study habits. Recent studies indicate that procrastination is something many children learn from their parents, so better time management skills are not only prescribed for the students, but for their parents as well.

The good news is that you can help your kids through stressful times by helping them develop better coping skills. Assure them of your love through affectionate hugs, active listening, and honest encouragement. Find out about any significant event in their lives by keeping communication opportunities available, and help them use appropriate humor to see the lighter side of life.

When it comes to stress, the most important thing we can teach your kids is that although you can’t control the things that happen in your lives, you can always control how you would react to them and that is the healthy kind of empowerment your children need.