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or, for a student, making honor roll. These posi- tive, happy times still carry stress. A new baby is a wonderful, welcome addition to a family, but the many new responsibilities and activities involved can be stressful for new parents. The proud sixth-grader who makes honor roll knows that it comes with assignments that are done correctly and on time, and tests that
known as fi ght-or-fl ight syndrome, making us ready to respond or retreat from the situation.
Signs of Stress Children exhibit signs of stress in many dif- ferent ways, some more obvious than others. Irritability, mood swings, constant worrying and crying can indicate that your child may be expe- riencing distress. Also, changes in sleep patterns, including nightmares, and an increase in or lack of appetite can be signs of stress. Generally, there are two most common indicators of stress in kids: negative changes in behavior and regression. Regression involves a child returning to a previous phase of development — such as a nine-year-old suddenly sucking her thumb.
During high-stress times, it’s important for you to support your kids in developing their own coping strategies
require much preparation. For most kids, the real problems arise when stress becomes distress. Chronic stress or distress can affect all areas of health and well-being, and have lifelong consequences if not addressed.
The Power of Adrenaline When your child experiences stress, adrenaline, a powerful chemical, is released in response. Adrenaline increases heart rate and breathing. It also leads to increased sweating, and power- supplies blood to essential organs — the brain, heart and muscles. In addition, muscle tension, headaches and stomachaches are common symptoms of stress. All of this results in a surge in strength and mental alertness, commonly
Ready, Set, Grow
Dealing With Stress One of the most important
things you can do during high-stress times is to support your child in developing her own coping strategies. There is a concept called resiliency, which involves the positive factors in a child’s or adolescent’s life that help her bounce back from troublesome times, including stress and crisis. Two important components of resiliency are supportive environments and the development of positive coping skills. Here are stress-man- agement tips you can use to help your child.
Stress-Management Menu
STARTERS • Eat more stress-busting foods: fruits, veg- etables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
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