Counsellor's Corner
Supporting Children with Stress
Stress is the body’s reaction to a physical, environmental or emotional change. It can effect anyone of any age and can be acute, episodic or chronic.
Acute stress is felt quite intensely and is the body’s reaction to a sudden perceived threat. For children, some common examples of things that might cause acute stress are the first day at a new school, giving a speech or doing a performance.
Episodic acute stress occurs when someone has frequent bouts of acute stress
Chronic stress may be felt more subtly but will build up over time if factors contributing to a person’s stress continue.
What causes stress?
Major life events. These can be exciting and positive life events, as well as more difficult ones.
An unpredictable event. An example of this is Covid-19 and the lack of control we have all experienced as we have adapted to life during a pandemic.
Family responsibilities
Social pressure. For children this may include friendships, peer pressure and navigating family relationships and dynamics.
Work/school pressure
How do I recognise if my child is stressed?
Some signs of stress may include:
- Seeming withdrawn, indecisive or irritable
- Seeming more emotional than usual including more anxious, fearful, angry, sad or frustrated
- Headaches, appetite changes, stomach aches, nausea and difficulty sleeping can also be physical signs of stress
Supporting a Child with Stress
- Support your child in recognising the signs that they are stressed (both emotional and physical)
- Talk with your child about stress being a natural reaction and share some strategies with them that you yourself use to reduce stress
- Support your child to find time to relax and do things they enjoy
- Encourage your child to find a form of exercise they enjoy. Exercise is a great stress-reliever
- Reassess commitments and look at whether there is any way to cut back
- Spend time as a family doing something you all enjoy
- Seek support from your GP, the school counsellor or other professional if you are concerned
For more information, please visit the Kids Help Line website or contact your School Counsellors Bron and Ryoko if you feel that your child could benefit from any further support.