Radio Commentary
Stress
is the reaction of our minds and bodies to unsettling experiences. Too much
stress can have negative consequences and can even make us ill.
For
this reason, the things that cause stress in children should be taken seriously
before they cause much harm.
What
are the signs of a distressed child?
·
Anger,
aggressiveness, anxiety, crankiness, bedwetting.
·
Crying
too easily, overeating, increased clumsiness, hair twisting, teeth clenching.
·
Fighting
with other children, or withdrawing from them.
·
Failing
at school.
Causes
of stress can lurk anywhere. They include pressure from home or school, such as
being too busy with overloaded schedules.
Family changes such as divorce or
remarriage can also be a cause, along with feeling unloved or misunderstood.
Children
cannot analyze events that cause stress — or control their reactions to those
events — as well as adults can, so they need guidance from adults.
Family
support is a vital antidote to stress, so be sure to relax and talk together.
Curb
access to violent TV shows and movies. Keep daily life calm. A pet can be a
good buffer and an emotional refuge.
Relaxed
parents, who cope positively with their own stress, pass on these skills to
children. It also helps to maintain a network of friends and activities outside
the home.
This
type of support and acceptance plays a very helpful role.
