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Read the text and describe the symptoms of child`s stress.






Adults view the world of children as happy and carefree. After all, kids don’t have jobs to keep or bills to pay, so what could they possibly have to worry about? Plenty! Even very young children have worries and feel stress to some degree. Stress is a function of the demands placed on us and our ability to meet them.

Sources of childhood stress. Pressures often come from outside sources (such as family, friends, or school), but they can also come from within. The pressure we place on ourselves can be most significant because there is often a discrepancy between what we must do and what we are actually doing in our lives.

Stress can affect anyone - even a child - who feels overwhelmed. A 2-year-old child, for example, may be anxious because his parent isn’t there to satisfy him or her. In preschoolers, separation from parents is the greatest cause of anxiety.

As children get older, academic and social pressures create stress. In addition, well-meaning parents sometimes unwittingly add to the stress in their children’s lives. For example, high-achieving parents often have great expectations for their children, who may lack their parents’ motivation or capabilities. Parents who push their children to excel in sports or who enroll their children in too many activities may also cause unnecessary stress and frustration if their children don’t share their goals.

Many professionals feel that a number of children are too busy and do not have time to play creatively or relax after school. Kids who begin to complain about the number of activities they are involved in or refuse to go to activities signal to their parents that they are too busy. It’s a good idea to talk with the child about how he or she is feeling about after-school activities. If he or she complains, it`s necessary to talk about the pros and cons of quitting one of the activities.

The child’s stress level may be intensified by more than just what’s happening in his or her family. Parents should be careful when they discuss troubles at work, a relative`s illness or financial matters. Children will pick up on their parents’ anxieties and start to worry themselves. Complicating factors, such as an illness, death of a loved one, or a divorce, may be causing the child’s stress. When these factors are added to the everyday pressures, the stress is magnified. Even the most amicable divorce can be a difficult experience for children because their basic security system – their family – is undergoing a tough change. Separated or divorced parents should never put kids in a position of having to choose sides or expose them to negative comments about the other spouse.

The events of September 11, 2001, and the changes in our world since then also added to the stress of many children – and not just those who were directly affected by the tragedy. Children who watch replays of the disturbing images on TV or hear talk of plane crashes, war, and bioterrorism may worry about their own safety and that of the people they love.

Recognizing symptoms of stress. It’s not always easy to recognize when the child is stressed out. Behavioral changes, such as mood swings, changes in sleep patterns, or bedwetting, can be indicators of stress. Some children experience physical effects, including stomachaches and headaches. Others have trouble concentrating or completing schoolwork. Still others become withdrawn or spend a lot of time alone. Younger children may show signs of reacting to stress by picking up new habits like thumb sucking, hair twirling, or nose picking; older children may begin to lie, bully, or defy authority. A child who is stressed out may also have nightmares, overreactions to minor problems, and drastic changes in academic performance.

Reducing the child`s stress. How can we help the child cope with stress? Proper rest and good nutrition can help increase the child’s coping skills, as well as good parenting. Parents should make time for their child each day. Even as the child gets older, this " quality time" is important. It’s really hard for some people to come home after work, get down on the floor, and play with their kids or just talk to them about their day - especially if they’ve had a stressful day themselves. But by showing interest in the child’s life, regardless of the child’s age, parents are showing their child that he or she is important to them.

Working through the stress with the child. When children are unwilling or have trouble discussing these issues, it may be helpful to talk with the child about some concerns. This will help the child see that parents are willing to discuss these issues with him. Some level of stress is normal; it’s OK to feel angry, scared, lonely, or anxious. But they must know that other people share his or her feelings. If the child continues to show symptoms and is unwilling to talk, it might be helpful to see a counselor or another type of mental health care specialist.

Most parents have the skills necessary to deal with their child’s stress. The time to seek professional attention is when any change in behavior persists, when the child’s stress is causing serious anxiety, or when the behavior is causing significant problems at school or at home.

If parents are unsuccessful after several attempts to help with the child’s troubles, they should see the doctor and talk to the counselors and teachers at the child’s school. These sources can lead to competent professional help.






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