Childhood Stress - by Kidshealth

Signs and Symptoms

1. 
   
   Short-term behavioral changes. e.g. mood swings, acting out, changes in sleep patterns, bedwetting.
2. 
   
   Physical effects. e.g. stomachaches and headaches.
3. 
   
   Have trouble concentrating or completing schoolwork.
4. 
   
   Spend a lot of time alone.

How to help kids cope with stress

1. 
   
   Quality time is important, make time for your kids each day. Whether they need to talk or just be in the same room with you.
2. 
   
   Show them they're important to you. Play with them or just talk to them about their day. 
3. 
   
   Find out what may be causing it. You can come up with a few solutions like cutting back on after-school activities, spending more time talking with parents or teachers, developing an exercise regimen, or keeping a journal.
4. 
   
   It will also help if we prepared kids for potentially stressful situations. For example, let a child know ahead of time that a doctor's appointment is coming up.
5. 
   
   Let kids know that it's OK to feel angry, scared, lonely, or anxious.
6. 
   
   When kids is unwilling to talk, try talking about your concerns and we are available to talk with when they're ready.
7. 
   
   Books can help young kids identify with characters in stressful situations and learn how they cope. Check out Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst; Tear Soup by Pat Schweibert, Chuck DeKlyen, and Taylor Bills; and Dinosaurs Divorce by Marc Brown and Laurene Krasny Brown.

Web Page: http://kidshealth.org