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Chronic Anxiety and Stress in Children

Stress and Anxiety – Children / Teenagers

Stress and anxiety in children and teenagers are just as prevalent as in adults. Stressed out and negligent parents, high expectations in academic or other performances, abused or deprived childhood, growing up tensions and demand for familial responsibility are the main causes of childhood and teen stress.

`Points to Follow` for Both Children and Parents:

• Talk with your child. Find out what’s happening in their life. Be honest and open with them. The child should talk about their problems or write them down. Teach your child to transfer coping strategies to other situations.
• Don’t burden them with your problems. But, tell children about the family’s goals and discuss difficulties in a friendly manner.
• Compliment children when they do well, and don’t forget hugs and kisses.
• Use humor to buffer bad feelings and situations. A child who learns to use humor, will be better able to keep things in perspective.
• Don’t overload your child with too many after-school activities and responsibilities. Let children learn to pace themselves. Don’t enroll them in every class that comes along, and don’t expect them to be first in everything.
• Set a good example. Demonstrate self-control and coping skills. They can benefit by seeing how you cope successfully with stress.
• Get friends` or professional help when problems seem beyond your skills.