An overview of the causes of children’s stress and ways to treat it …
Most parents consider the child’s world to be a lively world without any stress and worries, and because they themselves protect and care for their children and provide for their needs, they do not pay much attention to stressors. There are various factors such as family environment, illness or death of a family member, separation of parents from each other, fear of the dark, etc. that can cause stress to children, even young children.
Stress in children
Sometimes we parents think that our children do not have our inner stress at all. But the fact is that children also have feelings about themselves, in other words, they have a lot of feelings according to their age. They, like adults, feel stressed, and if they are not fully aware of how to deal with it, they will undoubtedly suffer.
The important thing in this regard is to have enough awareness for parents. They need to teach their children how to identify and share their feelings with their parents. Based on the experiences of parents, it is possible to deal with this problem in healthy ways. By providing healthy skills to their children, parents help them to cope with any kind of stress and pressure during their lives and be able to overcome it.
Pediatric stressors
Stress has different symptoms, each of which can be a symptom of a condition or illness other than stress. However, any sudden changes in children’s behavior that are not related to developmental stages should be considered. Some of these symptoms, or one or two sudden cases that last a long time, need extra care. However, whenever stress enters a child’s life so that the child feels frustrated, distressed, or physically ill, he or she should see a specialist (pediatrician, school counselor, or psychologist).
The source of children’s stress
While children are neither busy nor financially disadvantaged, so what can worry them?
The answer is that there are many factors that can cause stress in a child. Stress can affect anyone who feels frustrated, even children. Separating from parents before going to school and then academic and social pressures, especially adapting to the situation in the child creates stress.
Many children do not have the opportunity to play or rest after school hours. If a child complains about the extracurricular activity or does not want to do it, it means that it is planned too much for him, which is a source of stress for the child.
Children who watch disturbing images on television or hear news of natural disasters, war, or terrorism may be concerned about their own safety or that of their loved ones.
Stress in children may be exacerbated by more factors than what happens in their lives. Does your child hear you talk about work problems, worries about relatives’ illness, or arguing with your spouse over financial issues? Parents need to be careful about how they talk to their children because they feel anxious and stressed about their parents.
World news can also be stressful.
Children who watch disturbing images on television or hear news about natural disasters, war, or terrorism may be concerned about their own safety or that of their loved ones. Talk to children about what they see or hear and monitor the programs they watch, thus helping them better understand what is going on.
Problems such as illness, death of loved ones, or divorce are also effective. If these factors are added to the daily pressures that the child is facing, the stress in him will intensify. Even the most peaceful divorce is a difficult experience for the child because his main security system, the family, is undergoing a serious change. Divorced parents should never force the child to choose one of the parties or gossip about each other in his presence.
Signs and symptoms
It is not always easy to tell when children are stressed, but short-term behavioral changes such as changes in mood, performance, changes in sleep patterns or bedwetting can be signs of stress in a child. Some children have physical problems such as heartburn or headaches, some have difficulty concentrating and doing homework, and some are isolated and spend most of their time alone.
In younger children, stress may trigger new behavioral habits, such as finger sucking, curling your hair, or pinching your nose. Older children may lie, harass, or be aggressive.
Even the most peaceful divorce is a difficult experience for the child because his main security system, the family, is undergoing a serious change.
Tips to reduce children’s stress
How can children be helped to reduce stress?
Parents may not be able to prevent feelings of resentment, anger, discomfort in children, but can prevent the tools and strategies to overcome these feelings are introduced to their children or provide them with.
Do not raise your voice
When you notice your child’s anger and frustration, do not try to ask him out loud or say things like, “Well, now what?” Blame the world that has not come to an end.
Listen well to your child.
Gently ask your child what is bothering him or her and try to be just a listener. Listen to his words with interest and patience and avoid any suggestions, judgments, advice, commands, and prohibitions.
By saying words and sentences, try to instill in your child that you understand how he or she feels and that you completely agree with him or her.
Name their feelings
Most children do not yet have a name for their feelings. If your child is feeling angry or upset, use words to identify his or her feelings and help him or her name his or her feelings.
If they are aware of how they feel and what their name is, they will be better able to express themselves and relate to you better.
In addition to all these things:
adequate rest, proper nutrition, and of course proper training can be effective factors. Make time for your child. It does not matter if they want to talk to you or just be with you, give them a chance.
Help your child overcome stress by talking about what might be causing the stress.
Help each other find appropriate solutions, such as reducing after-school activities, spending more time with family or teachers, and engaging in sports activities.
You can also prepare your child in advance to deal with stressful situations. For example, let him know that he is going to the doctor and talk to him about what might happen. Remember that younger children do not need to prepare as this can make them more anxious.
If your child is feeling angry and upset with the use of the words the emotions he helps him in naming feelings for the help
and hints Finally:
* You can give your child your friends to get out of stressful situations, walk Or even if he likes, he can write something.
Let it relieve stress.
* When he calms down, talk to him to find out what is the right solution to his problem.
* Try to make him feel positive all the time and say that there is less problem that can not be solved and all this is temporary.
See Also What are the developmental stages of a child up to 3 years old?
