Child stress: some basic tips for parents in distress

We usually see the world of children as a beautiful place full of happiness. Children do not have to work or pay mortgages, so they often spend their time playing. It might seem like they have nothing to worry about; however, these are not exempt from suffering stress and experiment anxiety.

Stress problems

Stress is the automatic response of our body to situations that are threatening to us or challenging. Our day to day demands continuous adaptations; therefore, a certain amount of stress or activation is necessary.

Stress is a consequence of the interaction between stressors and the resources we have to deal with stressful situations. When stress lasts over time, our health suffers, our academic performance declines or our interpersonal relationships are affected.

Sources of child stress

Stress-generating events can be negative for some people and not for others, since stress occurs due to the way in which we interpret and think about what happens to us, and the resources we have to deal with supposedly situations threatening.

In the case of children, stressors arise from external sources (like family, friends or school), but also of the person. The beliefs that children have or the pressure they put on can make situations more stressful than they really are.

The parent-child relationship

At these ages, one of the most frequent causes of childhood stress can be bad relationship between parents or divorce. The separation of parents can cause anxiety in children and a new family situation to which they will have to get used to.

As children grow older, school becomes a very important part of their life, and the Academic pressures, or social relationships within the classroom, can also be a source of stress.

Overly demanding parents

What's more, many parents who demand too much of their children, more than they can bear. For example, parents obsessed with their children learning languages ​​or doing lots of extracurricular activities. In these cases, children may suffer from lack of time to play or relax after school, and this can affect their well-being.

In addition to these sources of stress, children can also suffer from problems at home (for example, problems with parents at work, financial problems, etc.). The figure of parents is especially important when it comes to reducing stress for their children, and they must be aware that children also suffer from their behaviors.

Finally, family illnesses, the deaths of loved ones or any change in their life (for example, a change of residence) can have a negative impact on them.

Child stress: tips for parents

Coping strategies seek to prevent or control stressful demands. Stressors can be different, but the role of parents in protecting the health and well-being of their children is to: give support and reduce the negative effect of these stressors as much as possible. If you are a parent, here are some tips to reduce and prevent stress in your children:

• Encourage your child to face your fears, not to run away from them.

• Teach your child that it is normal to be imperfect.

• Plan and practice relaxing activities with your child.

• Show him that you are there for him.

• As a role model for your child, convey positive behavior: self-care, positive thinking, etc.

• Strengthen your son when he is brave.

• Cause good sleep hygiene for your child.

• Help your child to express your emotions.

• Show that you are calm.

• Work on your own stress.

• Make time to be with him: ride a bike, play soccer, etc.

• Listen to your son.

• Limit stress if possible.

• Be patient.

• Learn strategies for your child to have a healthy self-esteem.