6 This Stresses Your Child, How to Overcome It

Stress does not only occur in adults, but can also affect children. Separation from parents can make a child feel stressed. Especially after entering school age, social pressures and demands for academic grades can also be a trigger for stress on children. Symptoms of stress in children are not easy to recognize, but there are some signs that indicate the child is stressed, such as experiencing sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, changing emotions, becoming frequent bedwetting, difficulty concentrating while studying, or difficulty doing school work. In addition, physical symptoms can also accompany, such as abdominal pain or headaches, but not all children experience similar symptoms.

Causes of Stress in Children

Some causes of stress in children, include:

• Overly dense activity

Sometimes, we as parents do not realize that the activities of children at school have taken up most of their energy. Our intention to give him additional knowledge after school hours, such as tutoring or courses, actually risks making him tired. Busyness after school hours leaves them with no time to relax or play. This risks making children stressed. Give children the opportunity to relax. Maybe even some schedule of activities after school can be reduced. However, if the activity cannot be stopped or reduced, ask how he feels about his activity. Confession session might be able to relieve child stress.

• Expose adult content

As technology advances, various information can be obtained easily. Children may be exposed to content or information for adults, such as scary news, violent videos, or pornography. This risks making children feel depressed. Parents are encouraged to sort content that is suitable for children. Not only that, parents also have to accompany and provide understanding to him.

• Lack of sleep

Children need adequate rest, especially after a day of activities at school. Make sure children get enough rest time and do not let them experience sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep can have an impact on mood, behavior changes, ability to assess, and memory. When it's time for a break, keep the child away from gadgets or television.

• Intimidation

Bullying or bullying that afflicts a child, both verbal and nonverbal, also risks making him feel depressed. Give support to the child so that he can be more confident in living his days at school or his environment. Do not forget to communicate with the teacher to monitor the conditions experienced by children.

• Chronic disease

Children can feel stressed if they experience severe things, such as when their parents have a serious illness or the children themselves are experiencing it. Serious conditions in children that can make him stress include if he suffers from Human Immunodeficiency Virus / HIV, Down syndrome, obesity, asthma, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder / ADHD. If you have a chronic illness, children can be alienated from relationships or school activities because they have to undergo treatment. Talk heart to heart with children, and provide mental support to them through difficult times.

• Divorce of parents

The basic security system for children is family. When parents divorce, children face major changes in their lives. Explain well and easily understood by children about the reasons for your divorce. Also explain to him that divorce does not mean separating at all. In addition, you are advised not to place the child in a position where he must choose one of his parents, because that choice has the potential to make the child confused and depressed.

Ways to Prevent Stress in Children

Before a child experiences stress, there are several steps parents can take to prevent it, including:

• Spend time with your baby

Ask about his daily activities and how he feels. This can help both parties to understand and support each other.

• Reduce child activity

Especially if the activity makes him feel stressed. Also discuss with the child to determine what activities need to be reduced.

• Create a comfortable home atmosphere

Free the child to do his favorite things. For example resting, playing or reading.

• Listen to children's stories

Listen every time the child wants to tell something. In this way, you can help relieve the burden of stress being faced by children.

• Always be near the child

Accompanying and being around the child when he is stressed or sad, can make him feel calmer, and able to deal with his problems better.

By being a good listener, parents can understand what is experienced and felt by children, so they can provide a way out of the pressure and stress that is being faced. Children can grow healthier and happier. If things that make a child stressful are still difficult to overcome, you can ask him to consult with a psychologist to get further counseling and treatment.