Helping Your Child Overcome Anxiety The Age of STRESS It’s hard to imagine kids as anything but carefree, happy, and eager to explore the world around them. However, children experience stress just like adults do, which can severely impact their typically cheerful dispositions. Since April is National Stress Awareness Month, now is an opportune time to familiarize yourself with tools and information that can help you alleviate your child’s stress. Any number of everyday factors can lead to stress, and stress can plague anyone who feels overwhelmed. Toddlers and young children going to day care or school for the first time may experience separation anxiety due to being apart from their parents. Older kids and teenagers may feel mounting social and academic pressure. Even something as simple as overhearing loved ones arguing or seeing a sad news report can add to a child’s stress levels. What are their stressors?
also pick up habits like twirling their hair or sucking their thumb, while older kids may start to bully others, lie, or rebel.
Can I help reduce their stress?
According to KidsHealth.org, good nutrition, proper rest, and healthy attention are great ways to help kids manage their stress. Set time aside each day to talk and spend time with your children; talking about worries will reduce or relieve anxieties. If you know about an upcoming stressful situation, like a school exam or a health checkup, prepare your child by studying with them or talking to them about what to expect.
How do I know if my child is stressed?
When a kid is stressed, they will exhibit odd behavior and even undergo physical changes. Depending on your child’s age, watch for mood swings, changes in sleep patterns, headaches, trouble focusing, or withdrawal from the people around them. According to KidsHealth.org, younger children may
Don’t stop here. For more tools and information regarding stress reduction in children, visit KidsHealth.org or contact your doctor.
“Before coming in to Gilbert PT, I had constant pain during the day and very often at night. Under the care of Dr. Abbey, Matt, and Julian, I saw slow and steady improvement. They were always professional and concerned for my health, pain level, and constant improvement. Thanks to Gilbert PT, I am much better, with little pain. I can sit cross- legged and enjoy playing on the floor with my grandsons — something I couldn’t do for months. The entire staff at Gilbert is caring and friendly. Thank you for providing excellent care.” –Dana M. Why We Love PT
WE APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK! Follow these easy steps to review our clinic online: 1. Point your smartphone camera at the QR code to the left. 2. Tap the notification to go to our website review page. 3. Follow the directions on the webpage to rate and review our clinic. THANK YOU!
2 717-591-0955
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter