As parents and caretakers, we are often worried about so many things, job, bills along with 100 things causing us stress. We often think what do kids have to worry or stress about?

With so many changes happening around in the life of a child, from COVID-19 and being stuck at home to spending one entire year attending online classes, it is only normal to try and understand the impact and stress children have been facing. Unlike adults who can express or understand the stress, children really struggle with knowing what is happening and show, temper tantrums, cry a lot, experiencing pains or refuse to do things.

Stress is simply the result of the demand our situation puts on us, wanting us to change or adapt. In child’s world, these demands may come from academic pressure, switching roles, peers, or family to now schools opening and going back. It is important to address and tackle these issues from the start as soon as the child starts to show signs of stress.

Some of the common signs and symptoms children show can be broadly seen in physical and behavioral/ emotional to look out for.

If your child shows any of these signs it may be possible that they are suffering from high levels of stress and anxiety. As caregivers, you can play an important role in helping your child bounce back and overcome this stress. Some of the ways are:

Physically

• Decreased/ increased appetite.
• Nightmares
• Sleep disturbances
• Upset stomach or vague stomach pain.
• Headache

Behavioral/ Emotional

• Anxiety, worry
• Not able to relax
• Sleep disturbances
• Anger, crying, whining
• Avoiding situations

1. Provide the child with a safe space: Allow the child to express their feelings and concerns with you freely, be encouraging, non-judgmental and supportive. If the child doesn’t want to talk, engage in some activities together.

2. Set a routine and don’t put pressure on the child: While interacting with the child, try not putting too much pressure and expectations on the child, provide them the space to explore and be themselves. It would be good to have some form of routine to maintain uniformity and comfort for the child.

3. Do not burden the child with activities: As important as it is to engage the child in activities during this age, it is important to not burden and overwhelm them with more things than the child can handle as it leads to more pressure.

4. Encourage child to face their fears: Provide space for children to fail and be imperfect at things. It is important that the child has different experiences and then choose what they enjoy and would like to do.

5. Be positive: Try to set a good atmosphere and be positive around the child, during this age children pick a lot of behaviors by seeing adults. Teach by example to not focus on the negative thoughts and feelings.

Understanding the anxieties and stressors being faced by a child can be challenging, but as parents and caregivers even the smallest gesture made by us could make a lot of difference to our child, in making them feel loved, supported and valued.