Helping Kids Cope With Stress

The last two years have been tremendously stressful for everyone everywhere. We learned last week on The PediaBlog that children and teenagers, surrounded by sickness and death, fear and uncertainty for the last 18 months, have been having a tough time coping. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains why pandemic-related stressors and trauma are having lasting effects on the developing minds of young people:

An estimated 40,000 children in the United States have lost a parent to COVID-19, for example. Many families have also lost financial stability during the pandemic. At the same time, children have had vital supports including school, health care services, and other community supports interrupted by the pandemic. And many have experienced or witnessed increased racism and xenophobia during the pandemic, particularly toward families of Asian descent.

 

Parents may find it difficult to recognize when their children and teenagers are struggling with their emotions. Toddlers and young children who have a hard time expressing in words what they are feeling inside may start to backtrack on their developmental milestones and budding social skills, and exhibit behavioral changes such as:

• fussiness and irritability, startling and crying more easily, and be more difficult to console.

• falling asleep and waking up more during the night.

• feeding issues such as frantic nippling, more reflux, constipation or loose stools, or new complaints of stomach pain.

• separation anxiety, seeming more clingy, socially withdrawn, hesitant to explore, and seeming to fear going outside.

• hitting, frustration, biting, and more frequent or intense tantrums.

• bedwetting after they’re potty trained.

• urgently expressed needs while seemingly unable to feel satisfied.

• conflict and aggression or themes like illness or death during play.

 

The AAP warns parents that teenagers “may try to hide their struggles because of fear, shame, or a sense of responsibility to avoid burdening others.” Having trouble coping with feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to a number of worrisome signs and symptoms as they go through adolescence and enter adulthood, including:

• changes in mood that are not usual for your child, such as ongoing irritability, feelings of hopelessness or rage, and frequent conflicts with friends and family.

• changes in behavior, such as stepping back from personal relationships. If your ordinarily outgoing teen shows little interest in spending time with, texting or video chatting with their friends, for example, this might be cause for concern.

• a loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed. Did your music-loving child suddenly stop wanting to practice guitar, for example? Did your aspiring chef lose all interest in cooking and baking?

• a hard time falling or staying asleep, or starting to sleep all the time.

• changes in appetite, weight or eating patterns, such as never being hungry or eating all the time.

• problems with memory, thinking, or concentration.

• less interest in schoolwork and drop in academic effort.

• changes in appearance, such as lack of basic personal hygiene […]

• an increase in risky or reckless behaviors, such as using drugs or alcohol.

• thoughts about death or suicide, or talking about it.

 

Living through this dreadful pandemic has been stressful for everyone, not just our kids. Sometimes parents forget that the stress we experience can be contagious:

Parents set the tone in the household. Expressing extreme doom or fear can affect your children. It can be challenging to stay positive, especially if you’re struggling with your own stress. But try to stay positive and relay consistent messages that a brighter future lies ahead. It helps to set aside time to take care of yourself when possible, and seek the support you may need for your own mental health.

 

Read more about “Mental Health During COVID-19: Signs Your Child May Need More Support” from the AAP here. If you think your child is struggling with his or her mental or physical health, pick up the phone and give the pediatrician’s office a call. We can screen for mental health issues and provide guidance to help your child cope with what’s on their mind.

 

(Google Images)

 

source http://www.thepediablog.com/2021/09/13/helping-kids-cope-with-stress/