Stress triggers for children

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New Delhi: Children are as susceptible to stress as adults. While adults can process their stress better, sometimes a child may experience stress but may not be able to express themselves adequately. Even small changes can impact a child's feelings of safety and security.

They may present with physical symptoms like
Change in appetite
Headache
Bedwetting
Nightmares
Sleep disturbances
Stomach aches
Feeling cold
Teeth grinding
Nail-biting
Sweaty palms and soles

Other physical symptoms with no actual physical illness
Emotional symptoms
A sudden change in attitude
Withdrawing from family and friends
Excessive crying for no reason
Difficulty in concentration
Extreme clinginess to the parent
Aggression
Anxiety

Newfound fears
Temper tantrums

Some of the commonly known triggers in children include:
The arrival of a new sibling
Change in routine
Unfamiliar situation
Delay in milestones
Pandemic - that stopped the world
Starting school
Changing schools
Learning difficulties
Conflict with friends
Bullying
Moving to a new location
Tight schedules that leaves no time to play
Illness / Death of family members
Relationship issues between parents / Divorce
Financial problems in the family
Going through bodily changes (noticed mainly during adolescence)
Unable to cope with pressure from self / parent / peer / school
Illness or Hospitalization

If your child has had a stressful week and the anxiety goes away once things have calmed down, then it's normal. Children have their own methods of coping, but if the stress is significant, frequent, or doesn't go away, that's when it's time to seek help.

You can help your child by learning to recognise the signs of stress and teaching them healthy ways to deal with it. Children learn how to respond to stress as they grow and develop.

 

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