Dealing with a stressed kid

Kids today more than ever are faced with pressure. They have to obtain the best grades, enter the best schools, excel in their chosen sports or arts. As such, they often become victims of stress and anxiety. It is very difficult, especially for kids at a very young age, to deal with stress because they do not understand it. It thus falls to parents to recognize the relevant symptoms, source out the root of the problem and solve it.

Create a positive environment

The home for the child represents a place of refuge. It is a place where a child should feel safe and sheltered from trouble. Parents and other family members should thus strive to ensure that the environment at home is a positive one.

Children under stress are low in confidence and self-esteem. Parents could help them rebuild their confidence by praising them for the acceptable things they do. Help your kid feel comfortable about sharing his or her feelings and listen to them without judgment. Ultimately, reassure your children should they doubt their abilities and character.

Use stories to connect

Stories are powerful ways to connect with children. The simple action of a father reading a bedtime story to his son, tucked comfortably into bed, creates an atmosphere of intimacy. Tell a story with a hero or heroine whom your child could identify with; introduce problems in the tale that parallel the ones your child faces. This allows your child to listen and learn without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable. There is safety in the story.

Plan more playtimes

Perhaps one of the most effective ways of chasing away stress is to just let your child have more fun. School and tuition classes are regular fixtures in a child’s life. Parents can also add on regular playtimes. Be it an hour on the Playstation or a soccer game with the other kids in the neighborhood, kids will always enjoy having some good clean fun.

Develop thinking skills

Parents who feel their children are mature enough could teach their children to think through their problems. Pose scenarios for them (emergencies, class tests, friendship trouble) and help them think through the consequences of actions. Ask them open-ended questions such as "What could we do about this?" In time, your child will be able to think his or her way out of problems.

Set a good example

Like it or not, your kid will pick up cues on how you deal with situations. When a parent faces a tough day at work and reacts to it in a negative manner at home, a child will mirror the response when he or she is facing a problem. To avoid this, parents should be conscious of how they deal with problems in their own lives. Always remember, prevention is better than cure. If you set a good example, your child will definitely follow.

Mums Speak Out

Check out with some of our readers have to say:

Een Setianingish says: "I sent my son to join an Angklung class, he is better now".

Yolanda Laycock says:" My recommendation for stress is let your kids out to play, or sign them up for some sports outside of school."

Written by

Felicia Chin

tipsstressed kid