Tips to Recognize Children's Stress

Over the years, one of most parents' primary concerns is the psychological well being of their children. When it comes to parenting, most parents hope to help their children manage stress and as much psychological discomfort as possible.

Teaching children how to relax and de-stress is an invaluable gift to them during the day, in the evening or when they are faced with difficulties in their lives.
Between the school stress of taking tests and homework, challenging social situations, or stress in their home environment, it is inevitable that our young children will experience inner stress.

For parents to help, their must first become aware of what those signs may be and how their child is being impacted. How To Recognize Stress in Young Children: 1.
First, parents should note any significant change in behavior reported from school or noticed at home. If a child suddenly does not want to go to school or any other activity, it may indicate they are experiencing some form of stress directly relating to that area. 2.
Significant change in their emotional state.

More intense emotions that do not pass through easily.
Although we often will conclude that our teenage child is just "hormonal," the sudden uncontrolled change in their own feelings can be stressful if they don't understand why it is happening.

For younger children, sadness or anger that is not fairly fleeting can be a sign that something is amiss. 3.

Sudden change in level of independence.

Although this can be part of a normal developmental process, it can also indicate stress.
If your child used to enjoy spending time alone, and suddenly wants to be with you all the time (or they used to like socializing with the family and suddenly want to be alone often), it may indicate some form of stress they don't know how to manage.

4. Testing at school.
As children become more and more aware of this idea of testing and what it means as far as them being evaluated, this can create significant stress, especially if you have a child that strives to be a perfectionist.

Relaxation methods are very powerful in helping these children manage.

5.
Significant changes in appetite and sleeping patterns are often indicative of some form of emotional stress.
Although we know that children often go through developmental stages that may also cause the above symptoms, most parents that are paying close attention will be able to tell the difference.

6.
Finally, any family dynamics that have had an impact on the parents, the children will feel energetically.

They may not have any words or be able to express their feelings, but they are deeply connected to their caretakers and will internally notice the stress even if the actual information is being kept from them. If there is a family stressor, it is vital that you take the time to talk with your child in the words they understand for their age range and explain the stressor.
This does not mean diving in to the challenges of the stress you are experiences, but rather just acknowledge it simply and offering reassurance is what they most need.

Some or all of these signs can help guide a parent to finding the tools and techniques that will help their child find more inner calm and most likely improved behavior.