How To Spot Stress Symptoms & Help Your Child De-stress

This post sheds some light on how to identify the symptoms manifested by kids and what can be done to help them de-stress.

Stress is our natural way of responding to the demands of our ever-changing world. Although we all experience changes and demands regularly, the degree that these changes and demands made on each of us is different. Hence a situation may be stressful to one student but not to another, depending on the way the students interpret the situation, the mindset and their reaction to the events.

When kids are stressed, they may not be able to identify them. Instead, they will manifest their stress emotionally, physically and their mindset. Look out for these symptoms of their manifestations…

Stress Symptoms Manifested in Feelings:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Fear
• Moodiness
• Embarrassment

Stress Symptoms Manifested in Behaviours:

• Stuttering or other speech difficulties
• Crying
• Acting impulsively
• Nervous laughter
• Snapping at friends
• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
• Prone to more accidents
• Increase or decrease in appetite

Stress Symptoms Manifested in Thoughts:

• Self-criticism
• Difficulty concentrating
• Indecision (cannot decide)
• Forgetfulness or mental disorganization
• Preoccupation with the future
• Repetitive thoughts
• Fear of failure

Stress Symptoms Manifested in Physical Body:

• Tight muscles
• Cold or sweaty hands
• Back or neck problems
• Sleep disturbance
• Stomach distress
• Poor immune system – constantly catching colds or infections
• Rapid breathing or pounding heart
• Trembling
• Dry Mouth

Here are some ways parents can help their kids to manage stress:

1. Schedule Relaxation Time

Kids relax by doing the following activities. Just a note to the kiddos: beware NOT to extend your time on this activities to the point where it causes more distraction and stress…

• • Play video games
  • Watch movie
  • Go for a walk
  • Hang out with friends
  • Take a bath
  • Read a book

2. Stay Physically Healthy

• Eat nutritious food to improve immunity
• Do aerobic exercises to reduce anxiety
• Have a good night’s Sleep
  • maintain a regular sleep schedule
  • Students are recommended to have 8 to 9 hours of sleep

3. Maintain Good Mental Health

• Help them Identify Goals
• Prioritize their tasks
• Learn to manage time and schedules
• Work at one task at a time
• Deal with the stress – talk about it with friends, family or counselor if necessary

Share how you help your child de-stress and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.