Written by Pamela Udejimba

Childhood ought to be a happy, adventurous, and learning period. However, many children nowadays deal with stress and anxiety that may affect their well-being. For childrens emotional development, it is essential to consider the symptoms of stress and anxiety in children and to provide the appropriate support.
Signs of Childhood Stress and Anxiety:
Physical Symptoms: Physical symptoms in children, such as headaches, stomachaches, muscle tightness, or recurrent illnesses, can be signs of stress and anxiety.
Changes in Behaviour: Look out for changes in behaviour, such as increased irritability, mood swings, withdrawal from activities, or avoidance of social situations.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, or night sweats can be indicators of anxiety in children.
Academic Challenges: A sudden decline in academic performance or an increased fear of school can be related to anxiety.
Separation Anxiety: Younger children may show signs of extreme separation anxiety when being away from their parents or caregivers.
Excessive Worry: Anxiety can be indicated by constant and excessive worry over many areas of life, such as schoolwork, friendships, or health.
Perfectionism: Some anxious kids may show perfectionist tendencies, dreading making mistakes or upsetting people.
Providing Support:
Open Communication: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their feelings. Encourage them to share their worries and concerns.
Validate Emotions: Let your child know that it is okay to feel anxious or stressed at times. Validate their emotions and provide reassurance.
Teach Coping Strategies: Teach your child age-appropriate coping strategies such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or keeping a diary to manage stress.
Establish Routine: Consistent daily routines can provide a sense of stability and security for children.
Limit Stressors: Identify and reduce sources of stress, when possible, whether they are related to school, extracurricular activities, or family interactions.
Professional Help: If anxiety is significantly affecting your childs daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional specializing in childrens health.
Lead by Example: Demonstrate healthy stress management techniques in your own life. Children often learn by observing their parents behaviour and from older people around them.
Please share your experiences and advice on identifying and managing childhood stress and anxiety. What strategies have worked for you and your child? How have you helped your child build emotional resilience? Join the conversation and contribute to the discussion on supporting childrens mental health.