The Impact of Stress on Children

In this article, we will explore what stress is and how it affects children, from identifying the signs and common causes, to strategies for reducing it. We will also discuss what not to do when a child is stressed out, tips on how to manage a stressed child, where to get help, and finally, answer some frequently asked questions.

What is Stress and How Does it Affect Children?

Children, much like adults, are not immune to stress and challenging situations; it’s a natural response to life’s difficulties. When faced with stressors, the body initiates the “fight or flight” response [1], releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to prepare for action.

Both short-term and long-term distress can impact a child’s overall health in various ways. The indicators of stress in children manifest across emotional, physical, behavioural, and psychological domains. Sometimes, children may experience distress without fully comprehending their emotions, lacking the capacity or knowledge to manage their stress responses.

Recognizing and addressing stress in children is crucial, as it can affect their well-being and development. Providing support, open communication, and teaching effective coping strategies can empower children to navigate stress and build resilience for a healthier future.

Recognizing the Impact of Stress on Children

Emotional Signs: Children under pressure may display emotional indicators, such as heightened agitation, irritability, moodiness, or an increased tendency to cry. Signs of anxiety, worry, or fear may also emerge as a response to stress.

Physical Manifestations: Stress can manifest physically, resulting in symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, or changes in appetite. Complaints of feeling unwell, aches, pains, or muscle tension may surface without any underlying medical cause. Over time, chronic stress symptoms may compromise the immune system, making children more susceptible to illness, chronic pain, and burnout. There is also an elevated risk of health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and chest pain.

Behavioral Changes: Stress can influence a child’s behavior, leading to issues like bedwetting, social withdrawal, school avoidance, or a shift towards aggressive or disobedient behavior. In severe cases, children might exhibit self-harming behaviors, such as cutting, pulling out hair, or banging their head against the wall.

What Causes a Child to Get Stressed?

Stressors come from numerous sources and can cause children’s emotional, physical, and mental health to be affected. These take many forms which include circumstantial, environmental, and financial. Here are a few examples of different types:

• Academic pressure: Children may experience distress due to academic pressure, such as exams, homework, deadlines, or expectation to do well in exams and get good grades.
• Family conflicts: Children may feel stressed due to family conflicts, such as divorce, financial problems, or domestic violence.
• Changes in routine: Changes in routine, such as moving to a new school, adjusting to a new caregiver, or changes in the family’s daily routine can cause symptoms of distress.
• Illness: Children may experience stress due to illness, either their own or that of a family member.
• Social struggles: Children may experience distress due to social struggles, such as bullying, peer pressure, or social isolation.
• Financial: Children might be affected if parents have financial challenges, and the family is living in poorer conditions where the child cannot receive adequate food, clothing and housing.

The Psychological Impact of Stress

Cognitive functioning may be affected, resulting in difficulties with memory, concentration, or decision-making. Academic performance may decline, and children may struggle to cope with daily tasks. Persistent pressure can impact a child’s academic achievements, relationships, and overall well-being.

Addressing these signs promptly and providing appropriate support is crucial for fostering a child’s mental and physical health. Open communication, a supportive environment, and access to professional help can aid in mitigating the adverse effects of stress on children.

Strategies for Reducing Pressure

As a parent, caregiver, or appropriate healthcare provider, it is essential to understand the signs of stress in children in order to be able to help them manage symptoms. Especially as it can cause long-lasting damage if left untreated or ignored. 

Fortunately, there are ways to help children in managing pressure and reducing its negative effects, and vastly reduce the propensity for it to manifest as follows:

Create a safe and supportive environment

Children who feel safe and supported at home are better able to manage and cope. Make sure your child feels loved and valued.

Encourage healthy habits

Encourage your child to eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. These habits can help reduce distress.

Foster social connections

Proactively inspire your child to build social connections, participate in social activities and develop positive relationships with peers. Encourage your child to connect with others through extracurricular activities or playdates. Having a support system can help reduce distress.

Manage academic expectations

Help your child manage academic expectations by providing support and guidance.

Promote Physical Activity

Regular physical activity can help reduce pressure by releasing endorphins, which are feel-good hormones. Encourage your child to participate in sports or outdoor activities. Exercise designed to move the body will improve their health and enable them to interact with their fellow pupils in a team environment.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Teach your child relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, yoga, or even tai chi for juniors. These techniques can help calm the mind and reduce distress.

Create a Routine

Establishing a routine can provide structure and stability, which can reduce stress. Always make sure to include time for homework, play, and relaxation.

Seek Help

If your child is experiencing significant distress, seek help from a mental health professional.

Parents would be wise to advocate healthy coping skills as children learn from their parents, so modelling healthy coping skills can help them in turn to manage stress. Showing your child how to cope with stress through healthy habits like exercise, relaxation, and socializing with have a positive impact on them for the rest of their lives.

What Not to Do When a Child is Stressed Out

When a child is stressed out, it can be challenging to know how to help them. And, unfortunately, there are some things can make the situation worse. So, here are some things to avoid when a child is stressed out:

Minimizing their feelings

Telling a child to “just get over it” or “stop worrying” can make them feel like their feelings are not valid. Instead, acknowledge their feelings and struggle and contribute positively.

Overreacting

Overreacting to a child’s distress can make them feel like their feelings are too much to handle, which in turn can make the symptoms worse. Instead, stay calm and offer support.

Adding more pressure

Adding more pressure to an already distressed child can make the situation worse. Avoid adding more expectations, responsibilities or telling a child off (for example if they wet the bed) as this will exacerbate the problem.

Ignoring the problem

Ignoring a child’s distress can make them feel like their feelings are not important. Instead, recognise there is an issue, address it and adopt a helpful attitude to resolution.

Tips to Managing a Stressed Child

Managing such a child can be challenging, but there are things you can do to help. Here are some suggested tips to reduce symptoms and help control and lessen the feelings of distress.

• Listen: Listen to your child’s feelings and concerns without judgment. Let them know that you are there for them.
• Teach and Show: Teach your child what stress is and healthy coping skills such as deep breathing, relaxation techniques, and physical activity. As a parent or family member, practice what you preach.
• Support and Encourage: Be there for them and offer encouragement. Let them know that you believe in them and their ability to manage their feelings.
• Be Consistent: Establish a routine that includes time for homework, play, and relaxation. A routine can provide structure and stability, which can reduce pressure.

Where to Get Help

If you are concerned about your child’s stress, there are several resources available that can help.

• Doctor: Talk to your child’s paediatrician who can provide guidance and also forward refer to alternative mental health professionals if needed.
• Therapy: Seek counselling which can help your child manage pressure and develop healthy coping skills. 
• Mental Health Professional: A mental health professional can work with your child to identify the source of their stress and develop a plan to manage it.
• Stress Coach: Find a coach who can provide guidance and support to help your child. They can teach your child positive coping tools and provide ongoing support.

Conclusion

No child should have to experience life feeling stressed, but it’s is a fundamental part of life that simply cannot be avoided. They key is noticing when a child is showing signs and classic symptoms of feeling distressed. Then dealing with it appropriately and swiftly in order to minimise long term effects such as burnout. Thus, enabling children to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

FAQ

References

1. Wikipedia.org – Fight or flight response – found on 02/09/2024
   Link to the page wikipedia.org