The Age of Stress
Our Clients Say It Best
Helping Your Child Overcome Anxiety
“When, my wife, my two grandchildren, and I were involved in a traffic accident that wasn’t our fault, we weren’t sure where to turn. We researched online and were impressed by the reviews of the VanMeveren Law Group. We met with Bryan VanMeveren and Leah Hopkins and were immediately impressed with their empathy for us and their knowledge of the civil process. Leah handled everything professionally and was invaluable in navigating the insurance maze. She was always available to answer our questions and concerns and returned our calls and emails promptly. We can’t thank her enough for being our advocate. It was so reassuring she was on our side. She made the process as painless as possible, and there is no way we could have done this without her!” –Robert Hendry
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. What are their stressors? 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. 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 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.
Don’t stop here. For more tools and information regarding stress reduction in children, visit KidsHealth.org or contact your doctor.
2 • www.VanMeverenLaw.com
Made with FlippingBook HTML5