Childhood stress: some basic tips for parents in distress

Children suffering from stress: how to help them?

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

Problems of stress

Stress is our body's automatic response to situations that we find threatening or challenging. or challenging. Our day-to-day life 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 possess to cope with stressful situations. When stress is prolonged over time, our health suffers, our academic performance declines, or our interpersonal relationships suffer.

Sources of childhood stress

Stress-generating events may be negative for some people and not for others, because stress occurs because of the way we interpret and think about what happens to us, and the resources we have to cope with supposedly threatening situations.

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

The parent-child relationship

At this age, one of the most frequent causes of child stress can be a bad relationship between parents or divorce. bad relationship between parents or divorce. Separation from parents can cause anxiety for children and a new family situation to get used to.

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

Overly demanding parents

In addition, many parents who demand too much of their children can also be a source of stress, many parents who demand too much of their childrenmore than they can handle. For example, parents who are obsessed with their children learning languages or doing too many extracurricular activities. In these cases, children may suffer from the absence of time to play or relax after school, and this can affect their well-being.

In addition to these sources of stress, children may also suffer from problems at home (e.g., problems at parents' jobs, financial problems, etc.). Parents are particularly important in reducing stress in their children, and parents should be aware that children also suffer from their behaviors.

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

Childhood stress: tips for parents

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

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

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

• Plan and practice relaxing activities with your child.

• Show them that you are there for them.

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

• Reinforce your child when he/she is brave.

• Encourage good sleep hygiene for your child.

• Help your child to express their emotions.

• Show your child that you are calm.

• Work on your own stress.

• Make time to be with your child: go biking, play soccer, etc.

• Listen to your child.

• Limit stress if possible.

• Be patient.

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