Healthy Minds Matter for Kids Too!
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Mental illness and stress are often thought of as adult problems, but they can also affect children. In fact, one out of every five children in Canada has a mental health problem. Thankfully, there are ways you can help your child deal with life’s ups and downs in a healthy way (Barankin & Khanlou, 2007).
What is Resiliency?
Resiliency is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and stay strong during hard times. Building resiliency early in life is important, as it’s partly a learned behaviour. Resilient children are more likely to do well in school, are less prone to depression, and go on to have happier, more successful lives as adults.
Signs of Stress in Kids
While some stress is normal, too much stress can be harmful and may lead to bigger problems later on. Most caregivers can easily spot problem behaviours in their children. Crying, whining, poor listening, fighting, falling grades at school, and eating more or less than normal are all behaviours that may result from stress. However, their bodies, minds, and feelings can also signal that something is wrong, as shown in the table below:
| BODY | MIND | FEELINGS |
| Some physical signs of stress include tense muscles, headaches, stomach aches, bed-wetting, being cold, skin rash, shakiness, poor sleep, constant tiredness, and generally feeling sick. | Some mental effects of stress include short attention span, forgetfulness, trouble problem-solving, being easily distracted, confusion, and being unreasonable. | Some emotions that may be brought on by stress include: fear, anxiety, frustration, sadness, panic, anger, helplessness, hopelessness, and feeling threatened.
(The Psychology Foundation of Canada, 2007) |
SOURCES OF STRESS FOR KIDS
- Schedules that are too busy and don’t allow enough free play and rest time.
- Big changes such as starting school, moving to a new home, separation or divorce, or the death of a loved one.
- Social issues like being teased, bullied, or not “fitting in” with peers.
- Fighting or arguing among family members.
Building Resiliency in Your Child: What You Can Do
Even young children can learn to manage their own stress, with their caregivers’ help. Here are some ways you can help build resiliency in your child:
- Spend time with your child, both with fun activities and chores. Give them choices.
- Show interest in your child’s life by asking questions about school, friends, and life in general – and really listen!
- Model appropriate behaviour in your own relationships and avoid involving your child in adult issues.
- Make sure your child gets enough rest, good nutrition, and physical activity.
- Help build your child’s confidence by pointing out the things they’re good at.
- Let your child know that you love them in as many ways as you can.
While we can’t protect our children from all of life’s ups and downs, we can raise them to be resilient. That way, when hardships come, they can work through them in a healthy way.
KEY REFERENCES:
Barankin, T. & Khanlou, N. (2007) Growing up resilient: Ways to build resilience in children and youth. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. ISBN 978-0-88868-504-9, pg. 11.
The Psychology Foundation of Canada. (2007). The struggle to juggle: Stress management strategies for you and your family. Retrieved July 5, 2010, from http://www.psychologyfoundation.org/pdf/publications/
the_struggle_to_juggle.pdf
The Psychology Foundation of Canada. (n.d.). Kids have stress too! How to help kids handle stress. Retrieved July 5, 2010, from http://www.psychologyfoundation.org/pdf/KHST_yellow2008.pdf
