Counselor Connection for Parents
Spring 2015
High School Students and Stress
Stress. Just hearing the word evokes more stress. High school is an exciting time for students as they meet new friends, gain new freedoms, and have new opportunities, but it can also be a time of intense stress. According to a 2013 poll the National Public Radio (NPR) conducted in conjunction with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health, more than one-third of parents with high school-aged children report their student is experiencing a lot of stress. They attribute this stress mostly to homework and academic pressure. What can you as parents do to help when faced with a stressed-out teen?
Indicators of Stress
It is important to be aware of the signs that indicate your child is experiencing stress. Students may or may not be aware of how much stress they are actually under.
Some possible signs your student might be stressed:
Headaches
Stomachaches
Reluctance to go to school
Cutting
Expressions of despair or hopelessness
Tiredness or sleeplessness
Anger
Anxiety
Irritability
Moodiness
Effects of Stress
Managing Stress
- Look for signs of stress in your child.
- Help your child with time-management skills.
- Does your child have too much on their schedule?
- Promote exercise, sleep, and meals with family.
- Talk with your child about it.
- Check for parental pressure.
- Make sure your child takes time for fun.
Supporting Your Student
It has often been said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” It takes the support of many to help our youth today deal with the average stress of everyday living, as well as those placed upon them by modern society.
SCHOOL
Our school provides support for students experiencing stress in a variety of ways. Each year, students go through a series of lessons through our counseling curriculum on topics such as dealing with stress, time management, study skills, testing tips, and relaxation techniques. Students are encouraged to see the connection between academics and their stress levels, and ways to deal with this is in a healthy way. In addition, students may participate in small groups or individual counseling when the need arises or if students are unable to get a hold on their stress.
PARENTS
Parent workshops are offered once a quarter on a variety of topics. Please join us next month as we learn more about helping our students deal with stress. You will learn more about signs of stress in your student, helping them manage their time wisely, utilizing stress management techniques, and supporting your child positively. This is a great opportunity for you to not only help your child, but for you to learn some techniques that can help you deal with your own stress as well! A light dinner will be provided.
COMMUNITY
Professionals such as doctors, mental health specialists, and counselors may be needed when a student’s stress has gotten to the point that it requires more intensive interventions. If you would like more information on these resources, please contact the school counselor's office.
Additional Resources for Parents
Sources:
American Institute of Stress, The. Stress effects. Retrieved from
http://www.stress.org/stress-effects
ETR Associates. Positive ways to cope with stress [PDF document]. Retrieved from
HealthSmart Online Web site:
http://www.etr.org/healthsmart/f/common/hsemh06slcopepdf
ETR Associates. Skills for dealing with stress [PDF document]. Retrieved from HealthSmart
Online Web site:
http://www.etr.org/healthsmart/f/common/hsemh06mastdealingpdf
ETR Associates. Stress-management techniques [PDF document]. Retrieved from
HealthSmart Online Web site:
http://www.etr.org/healthsmart/f/common/hsemh06acttechniquespdf
Kam, K. (2007). Coping with school stress. Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/coping-school-stress
Neighmond, P. (2013, December 2). School stress takes a toll on health, teens and
parents say [Interview]. Retrieved from
http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=246599742
Rowh, M. (2005). Stress busters!. Career World, 33(6), 12-15
Natalie Westerfield
Murray State University
School Counseling Graduate Student
CAREER EDUCATION
EMPLOYMENT SKILLS
- Communication skills (listening, verbal, written)
- Analytical/Research skills
- Computer/Technical Literacy
- Flexibility/Adaptability/Managing Multiple Priorities
- Interpersonal Abilities
- Leadership/Management skills
- Multicultural Sensitivity/Awareness
- Planning/Organizing
- Problem-Solving/Reasoning/Creativity
- Teamwork
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION - CTE
The diagram below provides a "snapshot" of CTE (www.acteonline.org).
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
Our school district has teamed up with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to help students transition to the "real world". OVR representatives are located on-site at the high school to provide consultation to those students seeking more information about their career options and how the transition to the workforce can be one with few hitches. Below is a list of services provided by OVR and on-site representatives. (http://ovr.ky.gov)
- Medical & Psychological Assessment
- Vocational Evaluation & Planning
- Career Counseling & Guidance
- Work Experience While in High School
- Training & Education After High School
- Time-Limited Medical Treatment
- Time-Limited Psychological Treatment
- Job Site Assessment
- Accommodations
- Job Placement
- Job Coaching
- On-the-Job Training
- Assistive Technology
Career Exploration
FOR THE PARENTS
Research
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
ovr.ky.gov
Quintessential Careers
Bureau of Labor and Statistics
Americans With Disabilities
Kentucky Department of Education
Career and Technical Education
Chris Holstein
School Counseling Graduate Student