6 Ways to Help your Child Handle School Stress

 

Stress can be described as an emotional or physical disturbance that occurs when your body or mind encounters a challenge or demand. Stress can take positive as well as negative forms as it may help you to meet a deadline but if it carries on for a longer period then it can be dangerous for your health.

Academic Stress is a serious business as too much stress can be overwhelming which can lead to health complications such as poor sleeping patterns and brain functioning for the students. In 2007 a report of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) denoted that for children and teens, too much work and too little play could backfire down the road. "Colleges are seeing a generation of students who appear to be manifesting increased signs of depression, anxiety, perfectionism, and stress," the report says.

 Students have a continuous pressure of gaining good grades and this pressure is just not confined to the teens. Young children are also confronted with a great deal of stress as they are terrified to get failed in their school exams. Even the students of small grades have an idea regarding how important it is to pass the examination to avoid failure and stress.

Considering the rise in the cases of stress and depression it is necessary to help the students to cope up with study stress. The coping tendency of each individual varies from one another thus parents can play a vital role and help when it comes to reducing academic stress.

 Identify the signs of School Stress:

Parents should observe whether the children are showcasing stress-related behaviors. If yes, then they should take appropriate steps and offer help to their children by listening to their problems and finding a way out mutually. The subtle signs of school stress may include headaches, stomach problems, and or reluctance to go to school.

 Time Management Skills:

In this fast paced era, the students must acquire time management skills to manage the heavy demands of study. It is important to divide and dedicate your time carefully to each of your subjects. The student should be able to complete his on time rather than cramming at the last moment.

Avoid Over Scheduling:

The parents must look over whether their child is overscheduled as for many children this hurried lifestyle can cause a deal of anxiety and depression. Thus it is important to strike a perfect balance between work and play and this can be done by cutting back the burden of school and extracurricular activities which is quite a deal for overachievers.

 Encourage Healthy Habits and Family Time:       

Family time is crucial for reducing stress, we can promote family meals to connect with your child. Try to listen to your children and communicate with them so they would know what their concerns are. This would enable the parents to understand their needs and find appropriate ways to solve them. 

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 Avoid Extra Parental Pressure:

Do not exert extra pressure on your children. Parents should try to change their perspective and give some extra space to their children so they won't feel overburdened. Parents should keep in mind that they should talk about the children’s interests and activities they like to engage them thus promoting a healthier relationship.

 Provide Space and time:

Nowadays kids are quite occupied with their studies and barely have time to relax. It is important to have structured gaps between heavy loads of academic work. There should be fun activities so that the children don’t feel overwhelmed and don't let the stress consume them.

 Identify serious mental health concerns and offer help:

Identify the signs for serious mental health issues and offer help to your children by intervening. Don't let them feel left out and try to guide them to avoid self-destructive activities. Having bad days is normal but if your child is facing continuous anxiety and stress that is quite alarming. The parents should opt for medication and proper medical help to avoid negative consequences in terms of their child’s physical or mental health.

Value your children for who they are but not for what they achieve. It  is quite significant to allow kids to live a life where the stakes are not always high.

 Take help from a Professional:

There is no shame in getting help from a professional psychologist as they can provide with better guidance which can produce more better results for your child and help in various areas such as improving relationships and traumas that are hindering them from achieving their goals.