Stress Management in Children
Children feel stress too, yet often cannot recognise it. We look at the signs of stress in preschool children and the parent’s role in managing it, through a guidance lens.
Most of us know that adults become stressed amid the rush of life. But in this fast pace where time never seems enough, what are our children going through? Yes, children feel stress too; but often they cannot recognise it. In this article, we look at the signs of stress in preschool children in particular and the responsibilities that fall to parents in managing it.
Stress in Preschool Children
Preschool children generally cannot tell when they are under stress. In this case we can understand stress through behavioural observation. The following behaviours may be seen in children experiencing intense stress:
Observable Signs
Thumb sucking
May be a sign of seeking comfort.
Wetting
Difficulty with control at night or during the day.
A state of panic
Constant unease and anxiety.
Excessive fear
Extreme fear of strangers or animals.
What Falls to Parents in Managing It
A preschool child is not yet of an age to manage stress alone; for this reason a great responsibility falls to parents and teachers. The most important step to take is to talk with the child. This conversation, in which the child speaks, you listen attentively, and your body language shows that you understand, turns into healthy management.
- Make them feel safe: Making the child feel at ease and secure is the foundation of stress management.
- Open space for expression: Give them the chance to voice their feelings both verbally and through modelling clay and play.
- Do not compare: Do not compare them with other children, and do not give them responsibilities they cannot handle.
The most important step in stress management is for the child to feel valued as an individual.
In brief
- Children feel stress too, but often cannot recognise it.
- The signs are understood through behavioural observation; talking and listening are essential.
- A safe environment and feeling valued are the foundation of management.
You can find the effect of stress in the family environment on the child in this article, and our inquiry-based program on our IB Primary Years Program page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do young children show stress?
Not with words but through behaviour: it may reveal itself through signs such as thumb sucking, wetting, excessive fear or constant unease.
How can I reduce my child’s stress?
Make them feel safe, listen attentively, open space for them to express their feelings through play and words, and do not compare them with other children.
Gökkuşağı Koleji · A child who feels safe is a calm child.