Stress and

Students

By Heather Lambert

Str

ess

defined:

Stress is a function of

the demands placed on

us and our ability to meet them.

Sourc

es

of

Str

ess

fo

r C

hild

ren

Perceived expectations of

others (parents, teachers,

academics, social groups)

Stress of others (adult

conversations, fights,

divorce, news, natural

disasters)Hyper scheduling (little

time to rest, busy) Lack of confidant

(caring, listening adult)

Sig

ns

and

Sym

pto

ms

Anger, moodinessPhysical symptoms:

stomachaches, headachesNew habits: chewing,

tappingWithdrawalOverreaction to minor

disturbances

Str

ess

reduce

rs

Parental involvement and

encouragement to talkNormalize stress: some stress is

normalPreparation: help the student

prepare for stressful situations

Listen and look: be aware of the

child’s needs and communication

of concernsProvide quiet time and time to

play, avoid over-scheduling

Coping skills: sharing feelings and

needs, journaling, and reading

books to help model how others

deal with stress

Cre

ate

d b

y: H

eath

er

Lam

bert

 Additional Information:http://kidshealth.org/par

ent/emotions/index.html