Stress
What does stress look like for your kid?
Kids, like adults, can face many different stressors in life. Things that may seem unimportant or secondary to us could be big for kids. Stress can come with the challenges of growing up, fitting in, or doing well in school or extracurricular activities. It can also be really overwhelming.Regular check-ins with your kid about their workload or personal life can be a simple way to track their stress levels. By helping your kid to understand when they're stressed, you can teach them how to problem-solve and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Actions to start a conversation
Tell your kid in a kind, non-judgmental way that they seem overwhelmed or stressed. You might share that sometimes you also feel overwhelmed, and ask your kid if they feel the same way. It is sometimes helpful to name a recent overwhelming or stressful event the kid might have experienced and ask how your kid is feeling about it.
Actions to do while listening
While your kid is talking, try not to interrupt or minimize their feelings. Avoid pointing out that others have it worse. When they've finished, express gratitude that your kid has shared what they're feeling.
Actions to understand
Ask if there's anything else you should know, and if there's a way to reduce the stressor. For instance, you might offer to talk to their teacher if a certain class is making them feel overwhelmed.