Children and Stress

1. Children and Stress

2. Define stress for a child Facts Not seeing eye to eye What are the signs? What triggers stress for your child? Objectives • Behaviors for parents to avoid • Strategies to combat stress • Important how to’s • Best practices • Resources

3. Stress is any uncomfortable “emotional experience accompanied by predictable biochemical, physiological and behavioral changes.” Some stress can be positive in that it provides the energy to tackle a big test, presentation, or sports event. Too much stress, however, can create unnecessary hardship and challenge. Define Stress

4. Teens and tweens are more likely than their parents to say their stress has increased in the last year 45% of teens 13-17 said they were worried more 28% of parents think their teens stress increased 2-5% of parents rate their child’s stress as “extreme” 14% of tweens and 28% of teens say they worry “a lot” or “a great deal” Facts

5. Parents think… Not Seeing Eye to Eye Tweens & Teens Cite 30 & 42% get headaches 39% & 49% difficulty sleeping 27% & 39% eat too much or too little 13% of teens get headaches 13% of teens difficulty sleeping 8% of teens report eating too much or too little

6. What are the warning signs? • Getting headaches • Difficulty sleeping • Change in eating habits • Very social or very withdrawn • Non-characteristic behavior • Complaints of not feeling well • Low self-esteem • Fear of failure • Loss of concentration • Easily embarrassed • Overly worried • Obsessive • Forgetfulness • Ticks • Crying too easily • Acting out • Startling too easily • Laughing nervously

7. More Warning Signs… • Grinding teeth • Smoking • Drug and/or alcohol use • Accident prone • Sweaty hands • Heart racing • Dryness of throat • Overtired • Urinating frequently • Butterflies • Headaches • Back/Neck aches • PMS • Acne (Increases during test time) • Loss or gain of appetite • Rudeness

8. Changes in family situation Arguing Interpersonal conflicts Exposure to violence Experiencing bullying Loss of pet Excessive expectations for accomplishment in school or sports or other activities What Triggers Stress For Your Child?

9. Too many activities Unnecessary competition/between friends and siblings Trying to eliminate any adversity for them Being overprotective Helicopter parenting Behaviors for Parents to Avoid

10. Watch school demands Be aware of changes with their bodies Teach: assertiveness time-management set limits/priorities communication skills Promote friends/Support group Take breaks Provide reassurance Strategies to Combat Stress

11. Cooking Writing Drawing Music Pets Exercise Bath Cleaning/Organizing Important How To’s

12. Key Points For Parents You can’t have too much: • Compassion • Laughter • Empathy • Down-time • Integrity • Reality • Patience • Allow frustration (to a point) • Respect • Dress up • Commitment • Some silliness

13. Best Practices • Be aware of changes in behavior • Know their friends • Listen & translate • Get support • Educate yourself • Family time • Fun! • Honesty • Take care of yourself first - Be a Role-Model • health/weight/exercise • important relationships • finances • spirituality

14. WorkLife4You and your EAP American Psychological Association www.apahelpcenter.org www.yourmindyourbody.org Resources

15. Let WorkLife4You Make Your Life a Little Easier! Contact WorkLife4You 24/7: 1-877-WL4-NOAA (1-877-954-6622) (TTY 800-873-1322) http://www.worklife4you.com Look for the “Already a member?” box — Not a member yet? Follow the “Register” link and enter Registration Code: NOAA 15 15