Children and stress

Posted by Monika Furlan

Certainly, stress is an increasingly common topic around the world these days and, unfortunately, it is likely to continue to be so in the future. Some call it the “21st Century Plague”, because it has no choice. Almost everyone is stressed, whether at work, at college, at school or in their private life.

What is stress anyway?

Stress is a normal physiological response the body’s response to environmental stimuli that upset the balance. It is a programme of physical adaptation to new circumstances and changes that we experience as threatening and that is given to us at birth. Whether the body’s response will protect us or be a source of further problems depends on how realistic our experience of external circumstances is. When stress builds up too much in the body and a person becomes sensitive to the smallest things, this can quickly lead to generalised anxiety disorder.

Children and stress

Everything a child is exposed to has a significant impact on him or her, so it is very important that he or she is exposed to stimulating content, a pleasant environment and caring people who will help him or her grow into as good and responsible a person as possible. It is very important that a child grows up in an environment that supports and understands him or her. Teachers and parents have a responsibility to understand that every child is different and needs an individual approach and treatment.

A very important fact is that a child is likely to become like the most important people in his or her life, because he or she wants to please them, to imitate them, and to gain value through them. It is very important to be aware that a child’s self-image and self-esteem are influenced by events from conception onwards, so it is important to treat them responsibly from the very beginning. From the first to the fifth year, a child needs only the love and affection of his parents, the later ten years order and discipline, and after 14. and the friendly attitude of parents.

Stress in children is closely linked to fear. When they are afraid, they cannot think. Facing fears can protect children from unhealthy perfectionism. One of the cures for stress is to be diligent, to do all your duties – whether at school, to your parents or to yourself – on time. Allow your child to relax, have fun and play. Health must always come first, whatever its setbacks. Finding the right balance between work, learning, rest, socialising and having fun is the hardest but necessary part.

How to speak up against stress

Children should eat as healthily as possible, get regular exercise and have all our support.
Never put your children into a particular career just because of money or the current market situation. It is extremely important for each one of us to work in a field that suits us. Everyone has at least one area they are really passionate about.
It is the duty of parents and teachers to help children mature into noble and generous individuals who realise that everything is a fair effort, and the rest will come in its own time.
Stop the busy schedule – Children need time to do the things they love to do, and this is how they rest their brains and recharge their batteries.
Get plenty of sleep – when children get enough sleep, they are less stressed, have better moods and better grades at school.
Teach them to listen to themselves – if children learn to be independent and respect their own wishes, they will be less frustrated and that is the way to real success.
Don’t project your own stress onto your children-Children soak up their parents’ energy like sponges, so if you’re having a bad day, don’t project it onto your children.
Facing up to your own mistakes – teach them that mistakes happen in life and that we are all only human. This will protect him from perfectionism and frustration, but above all he will not be afraid of commitments.
Remember that stress weakens resilience, destroys mental health and affects general well-being.

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