Stress in the Child's Life

Stress in a Child’s Life “When we get nervous or upset, our bodies react to our feelings by doing various things. Sometimes people get headaches when they feel upset. Other people might get knots or butterflies in their stomach. Sometimes you get a lump in your throat or wobbly knees. Those body signs or body clues are telling you that you are nervous or upset.” This passage, written by 10 ½ year old Lisa Hild, puts …

…effectively have had the experience of successfully facing and conquering stress; indeed, they have a sense of being competent. They see themselves as worthwhile and valuable people. They are optimistic about their ability to survive whatever life brings. (Brenner, 1984) Stress is inevitable; whether it is positive or negative, parents need to be able to identify the signs of stress and ensure that they and their children know how to cope with it whenever it arises.