*The views expressed in the blog are those of the author.

What causes stress in us? When we are not able to accomplish the demands placed on us, we get stressed. These demands can be from internal, family, workplace etc. Not maintaining healthy relations also stresses us. Failing to meet deadlines in our workplace is another cause of stress. We also get stressed up when we are not able to use technology efficiently. Similarly, various demands, if not fulfilled, give us tension.

Although, a small amount of stress is helpful as it helps to learn different ways to deal with a problem situation. But, if it is beyond a certain limit it can lead to health problems. Not only adults but also children can become the prey of stress.

Stress in children can be due to peer pressure in the class, disturbing family conditions, or inability to cope with academics. Children can also develop stress if they use mobile phones and other gadgets on a stretch. There are times when children want to use and purchase expensive items. If parents are unable to meet the demands of their children, they get stressed as it becomes a matter of prestige for them.

Children do not know how to release stress and are overlooked. Such is the time when they require immediate attention. Distress in children affects their physical, mental, and emotional development.

Therefore, as parents, we need to be alert for early signs of stress in our children. Every child is unique, as the way they show physical or behavioural changes in response to stress differ. Still, there are some common signs of stress that could be easily detected by parents to help recover children from suffering. A few symptoms seen in children undergoing stress are:

Behavioural signs:

(a) Difficulty to concentrate (b) Nail biting (c) Aggression (d) Mood swings

Physical signs:

(a) Increased or decreased appetite (b) Bedwetting (c) Insomnia

How can we help our children?

Being a parent it is our duty and responsibility to help our children to overcome stress. We should try to create a calm and relaxed atmosphere at home. Be friendly with them. Make the children feel that they hold an important place in our lives. They have so many things to share with us. Listen to them with a lot of patience. Spend quality time with them in their activities. Talk about their hobbies, interests, school and friends regularly. Monitor their activities. Give them small responsibilities and praise them for their success. Involve them in activities of their interest like painting, dancing, singing, exercise etc. Give them good nutrition and proper rest. Sometimes, we also get stressed up due to different situations at our workplace, but we should remember not to carry it home.

If signs of stress are visible even after parental counselling, guidance from a counsellor or therapist is advisable.

Children in their growing years require our constant support, love and motivation. It is the demand of time to change our attitude towards them so that they develop in the most natural way.

By Gita Parihar
 TGT Science

******************************