Desmon NewbyApril 12, 2012

Educ 303Dr. Kariuki

CHILD STRESS

Stress is a term that is commonly used today but has become increasingly difficult to define.

Stress typically describes a negative concept that can have an

impact on one’s mental and physical well-being.

Everyone experiences stress and anxiety at one time or another. The difference between them is that stress is a response to a threat in a situation. Anxiety is a reaction to the stress.

What is stress?

3 Ways of helping children cope with stress

STRESS IN CHILDREN

Studies show that many children exhibit extreme stress, with symptoms similar to those of adults

Unlike adults, children do not have the means or the skills necessary to properly understand or manage their stress.

Parents and caregivers need to recognize when children are feeling stressed, and they need to take the proper steps to help them feel better.

Stress in Children

Some children may become ill. Some become withdrawn and nervous. Some show anger and demand attention.

Some children may be resilient, which means that they do not seem to be bothered by stress.

Children who isolate themselves from other children may be feeling stressed

A child who is easily agitated, irritable, lazy, lethargic, or aggressive may also be dealing with stress.

Drastic behavioral changes

How Do I Know if my child is Stressed?

A few symptoms of stress in children Accident proneness Anger Anxiety Appetite Loss Baby Talk Bed-Wetting Biting Crying Spells Detachment Excessive Aggressiveness Excessive Laziness Hitting Kicking Insomnia Stuttering Obesity Indigestion Thumb sucking Pounding heart Grinding Teeth Fingernail Biting Respiratory Tract IllnessTattling

Separation from parentsAcademic and social pressuresBullyingNot having enough time to play creatively or relax

after schoolHaving too many extra curricular activitiesProblems in the householdWorld news; such as war and disasterDeath of a loved oneIllnessDivorce

Stressors in children

Watch for changes in habits or behaviorPromote a positive environment Accept the child's behavior (never scold).Let them know that you care.Set a good exampleTeach children names or words for their feelings

and appropriate ways to express them.

What can I do as a parent?

What Can I do as a teacher?

Music can influence the mood of children. According to Parenting, music can reduce stress and improve the sense of well-being. Play music while the kids

draw or work to create a relaxing classroom environment. Choose upbeat music with a strong

rhythm for a classroom break. Encourage the kids to dance along with the music to burn energy and

improve the mood.

MUSIC

Many preschool and early elementary classrooms include a sensory table, which is a

shallow tub with legs that stands at child height. Inexpensive plastic tubs work just as

well. Many fillers work in a sensory table, including sand, rice and water. Kids run their

hands through the material for a soothing sensory experience.

SENSORY TABLES

Breaks during the day for physical activity

teach kids to deal with stress in a healthy

manner. Lead the students in a series of simple

exercises, such as jumping jacks or toe

touches. A walk around the playground or

school grounds also offers a physical activity

break to reduce student stress.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Drawing and writing are two options for letting kids explore the cause of their stress. Encourage kids to draw about how they are feeling or

what makes them feel stressed. General drawing and art activities can also provide stress relief for kids. If you prefer writing, have the kids

write about their day and what is causing them stress.

DRAWING OR WRITING

Visualization exercises teach kids to imagine relaxing situations to help reduce stress levels.

Children should sit in a comfortable position for the visualization.

Create a calming environment by turning off the lights and talking in a soothing voice.

Have the kids close their eyes and picture a scene you describe.

The scene you describe depends on the age of the students and what they might find relaxing. The classic beach scene is an option if you are unsure where to start. Have the kids talk about the visualization technique after it is done.

VISUALIZATION

A Relaxation Story, designed to help children increase creativity while lowering stress and anxiety levels. created by Lori Lite

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS?