Stress in Young Students
What does it look like and how can we help?
What does stress in young children look like?
Children may exhibit any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Acting out
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Bedwetting
- Stomachaches and headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble completing schoolwork
- Becoming withdrawn or spending a lot of time alone
Younger children may also have sensory symptoms such as:
- Thumb sucking
- Hair twirling
- Chewing
- Nose picking
What is causing the stress?
Most young students say the following factors cause them stress:
- grades, school expectations, and testing
- school (long hours five days a week)
- homework
- family issues
- problems with friends
- peers, gossip, and teasing
How can parents help?
- Notice when someting is bothering you child and say it out loud for them to hear.
- Say somethingto them about what they are feeling.
- Ask your child to tell you what's wrong and then listen to your child.
- Help you child put a name to what they are feeling.
- Help walk you child through ways or things they can do to help themsleves.
- Limit other stressors or stress when possible.
- Just be there and be patient.
What is Stress?
The Effects of Stress on a Child's Brain Development
How to Help Your Child Manage Stress | Child Anxiety
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