KIDS have STRESS too

Stress has become a common term now a days. Everyone is blaming stress for all their mistakes and behavior. But it is really hard to believe that kids can have stress too. Parents live in an assumption that childhood is always full of happiness and there are no tensions as there are no responsibilities. But, they tend to forget that there is a web of expectations, anxiety and lack of communication around the kids which often leads to stress among them.

According to a study, stress can decrease the immunity level of a body. Chronic stress has also been shown to impair developmental growth in children by lowering the production of growth hormone, as in children associated with a home environment involving serious marital discord or abuse.

Kids are more prone to stress than adults, as they do not know how to cope with it. Stress among kids can be exhibited physically as fever, stomach ache, nightmares etc., or emotionally as anger, crying, aggression, stubbornness etc. Most of the kids are not aware that they are experiencing stress and they make it a part of their personality.

Reasons for stress among kids could be general or family related. The general reasons could include bullying at school, homework pressure, no friends at school, ill treatment from schoolmates or school teachers etc.. The family related reasons could include divorce, verbal abuse, grief, violence etc.

A usually active or docile kid will become inactive or aggressive under stress. Kids often tend to change their behavior whenever they are under stress. It is the responsibility of teachers at school and parents at home to observe the changes in the personality of the kids. They should talk to them and let them vent out their emotions. Kids should be encouraged to pursue their hobby. Parents can help the kids in managing the stress. They should not worry excessively in front of kids otherwise it can affect them badly. Below are some pointers for the parents to help their kids to cope up with stress:

·         Give a healthy diet to kids. Weak kids are more prone to stress.

·         Do not make stringent standards of discipline.

·         Try to be a good listener to your kid.

·         Learn to appreciate your kid.

·         Stop being over protective.

·         Provide an environment with open communication and encourage your kid to share any problem.

·         Engage in playful activities with your kid.

·         Observe the change in the behavior of your kid carefully.

·         Do not hesitate to seek professional help, if required.

Parents should try to understand the feeling of their kids and give them the support required. Love and support of family can help the kids in coping with stress.