BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES, INC. Children and Stress

Objectives Define Stress for a Child Facts Not seeing eye to eye What are the signs? What triggers stress for your child? Behaviors for parents to avoid Strategies to combat stress Important how to’s Best practices Resources

Define Stress Stress is any uncomfortable “emotional experience accompanied by predictable biochemical, physiological and behavioral changes.” Source: Baum, A. (1990). “Stress, Intrusive Imagery, and Chronic Distress,” Health Psychology, Vol. 6, pp Some stress can be positive in that it provides the energy to tackle a big test, presentation, or sports event. Too much stress, however, can create unnecessary hardship and challenge. Source:

Facts Teens and tweens are more likely than their parents to say their stress has increased in the last year 45% of teens said they were worried more 28% of parents think their teens stress increased 2-5% of parents rate their child’s stress as “extreme” 14% of tweens and 28% of teens say they worry “a lot” or “a great deal”

Tweens & Teens Cite Parents think… 30 & 42% get headaches 39% & 49% difficulty sleeping 27% & 39% eat too much or too little 13% of teens get headaches 13% of teens difficulty sleeping 8% of teens report eating too much or too little Not seeing eye to eye

What are the warning signs? Getting headaches Difficulty sleeping Change in eating habits Very social or very withdrawn Non-characteristic behavior Complaints of not feeling well Low self-esteem Fear of Failure Loss of concentration Easily embarrassed Overly worried Obsessive Forgetfulness Ticks Crying too easily Acting out Startling too easily Laughing nervously

More warning signs… Grinding teeth Smoking Drug and/or alcohol use Accident prone Sweaty hands Heart racing Dryness of throat Overtired Urinating frequently Butterflies Headaches Back/Neck aches PMS Acne (Increases during test time…Stanford University) Loss or Gain of Appetite Rudeness

What triggers stress for your child? Changes in family situation Arguing Interpersonal conflicts Exposure to violence Experiencing bullying Loss of pet Excessive expectations for accomplishment in school or sports or other activities

Behaviors for Parents to Avoid Too many activities Unnecessary competition/ between friends and siblings Trying to eliminate any adversity for them Being overprotective Helicopter parenting

Strategies to combat stress Watch school demands Be aware of changes with their bodies Teach:  assertiveness  time-management  set limits/priorities  communication skills Promote Friends/Support Group Take Breaks Provide reassurance

Important How to’s Cooking Writing Drawing Music Pets Exercise Bath Cleaning/Organizing

Key points for parents You can’t have too much: compassion laughter empathy down -time integrity reality patience allow frustration (to a point) respect dress up commitment some silliness

Best Practices Be aware of changes in behavior Know their friends Listen & translate Get support Educate yourself Take care of yourself first Be a Role-Model  health/weight/exercise  important relationships  finances  spirituality Honesty Family Time Fun!

Resources Your EAP American Psychological Association