VICKI HILLIARD, LSWDEBBY ROCKWOOD, LISW-S

Helping Your Child Manage Stress and Anxiety

Stress and Children

All children experience stress and anxiety at times. Stress andanxiety is expected and normal at certain stages of development:

* Infants-preschool age can experience separation anxiety. * Young children have short lived fears (dark, storms…).

Stress and anxiety becomes a problem when it begins to interferewith daily activities. Pay attention to changes in your child’s

behavior so you can take action to help with your child’s stress.

Common Causes of Stress for Children:

New siblingsMovingStarting

school/childcareFamily illness or

deathDivorceNew stage of

development (adolescence)

Over involvementAcademics

Unfamiliar situationsChange in routine

Not all of these stressors will effect every

child. Children handle their reactions to

stress differently. Some children have

natural abilities to cope with stress, while

others need guidance and to build healthy

coping skills.

How Can I Tell If My Child Is Stressed?

Daydreams frequentlyDifficulty concentratingDull or vacant expressionAggressive, angry,

irritableWithdraws from othersBecomes more fearful or

anxiousHas more headaches,

stomach aches, or physical complaints

No energy

Change in appetiteTrouble sleepingImpulsive behavior or

defianceLosses interest in

activities-isolates selfNervous behaviors-nail

biting, stuttering, teeth grinding

Falling gradesSome of these symptoms are normal at different stages of

development. Pay attention to significant changes in your

child’s behavior.

REMEMBER…

Some level of stress is normal. Let your child know that all feelings are OK, and encourage them to share their feelings.

Reassure your child that they have the coping skills to handle any situation.