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Parenting Teenagers
Too Young to Be Stressed?
Children and teens are prone to it, too
Ah, to escape the stresses of adult life and return to a carefree childhood! It’s a fun fantasy, but don’t believe the “carefree” part. “Just like adults, most children feel stress,” says pediatrician Amil Qureshi, D.O., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “And too much can have a negative impact on their health.”
Stress can begin with the pressure to perform well in school. “It’s what motivates your child to learn and develop,” says Ken Mead, director of the hospital’s Adolescent Transitions program.
But an overcrowded schedule, especially coupled with problems at home or with friends, can tip the balance toward overstress.
“That can lead to behavior problems like uncontrollable crying, temper tantrums, fatigue and changes in eating and sleeping patterns,” he says.
When adolescence arrives, the causes of stress change somewhat. “For example, teens often feel pressured to make decisions about their future,” Mead says, “and they may be juggling added responsibilities.” Some turn to unhealthy “stress relievers” like cigarettes, drugs, alcohol or sex.
Child or teen, too much stress can be damaging physically as well as emotionally. “Often symptoms like digestive problems and headaches appear as the body’s response to stress,” Qureshi says.
For teens, Mead says, stress can be a factor in depression. Besides the behavior changes listed earlier, watch for signs like poor school performance, irritability, social isolation and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness.
The best way to help children cope with stress is to communicate with them. Don’t just talk; listen, so you’ll understand their changing needs. Make time for family meals—it’s a good way to find out what’s going on in your child’s life. And be open. “ ‘Quality time’ means letting your child set the agenda sometimes on what you do together,” Mead says.
If you see signs of overstress, seek professional help. A physician can perform a full medical evaluation to help identify the reasons for the stress, Qureshi says, and can refer you to a counselor if needed. You’ll get guidance from both these professionals on ways to ease the causes of stress. “A counselor also can teach kids to better communicate their problems to adults,” Mead says.
Exercise is a great stress-reliever. “There are classes designed for children and parents that combine healthy eating and exercise with relaxation techniques used in yoga and tai chi,” Qureshi says. “It’s a perfect example of quality time together.”
This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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