Recognising and Managing Stress in Children
A Stress Awareness Month guide to the tell-tale signs and how parents can help.
Recognising and Managing Stress in Children
This Stress Awareness Month, we take a closer look at some of the tell-tale signs seen when children are suffering from stress, as well as ways to help them (and you as parents) cope.
Although some children are more likely to have worries and anxiety than others, it’s common for all children to display a certain level of negative emotions in response to new experiences and certain stressors.
Common Childhood Stressors
According to the NHS, children often find change difficult and may become anxious following a house move or when starting at nursery or school.
Family arguments and conflict can also make children feel insecure and anxious, and children who have had a distressing or traumatic experience may suffer from anxiety afterwards.
From animals and sights, to sounds and people, children’s stressful feelings have to be felt and processed for them to move on and develop the skill of dealing with different situations.
Signs of Stress in Children
You may spot a number of these key signs that your child is suffering with stress and anxiety:
How to Help at Home
For certain problems, it can be useful to get a second opinion from a medical expert, or to consult with a child psychologist or counsellor. However, there are ways to try and combat some elements of stress and anxiety as a family:
When your child is having strong emotions, it is important to listen to them and validate, yet avoid offering too much attention and creating a deeper fear. Learn to listen to your child without being critical or trying to solve the problem right away.
It’s important to spend calm, relaxed time with your children. Help your child burn off energy in a positive, calming way: deep breathing exercises, listening to soothing music, stretching, or yoga.
Security can be found in a predictable chain of events, so keeping a set routine Monday to Friday is helpful to avoid stress from uncertainty. A good sleep pattern is also essential to mood and outlook, so ensuring a consistent and peaceful bedtime routine is vital.
Distraction can be helpful for young children. For example, if they are anxious about going to nursery, you might like to play games on the way there, such as seeing who can spot the most yellow cars on the road.
A ‘worry doll’ can help you encourage your child to tell the doll their fears, popping it under their pillow so the doll holds onto the worry for them. For older children, turn an empty tissue box into a ‘worry box’. Help them write or draw their worries and “post” them into the box for sorting out together at the end of the week.
Seeking Further Help
You can find more guidance for helping children with anxiety on the Young Minds website.
Always be sure to seek help or advice from a health care provider, counsellor, or therapist when signs of stress do not decrease or disappear.
A Safe Space to Grow
Our nursery teams are dedicated to creating calm, predictable, and supportive environments where your child can thrive.
