DO CHILDREN TAKE IN THEIR PARENTS' STRESS?

Sydney Morning Herald - By Kathleen North

A child can pick up signs and symptoms of stress. Children are very sensitive to their environment and are aware of an edgy or tense atmosphere.

Signs of children being affected by parent’s stress:

· Fiddling with their clothes
· Constantly touching their face
· Looking withdrawn
· Displaying submissive body language
· Sleep pattern disruption
· Acting up, seeking more attention, being "louder" to be heard
above the "emotional noise"
· Bed wetting
· Loss of appetite
· Children may act out what they are feeling in their play

How can parents ease a child’s anxieties?

· Children need emotional support.
· It is helpful if parents sit and discuss the situation.
· Reassure children.
· Observe children in their play, what they are trying to say. This is a
  good insight into how they are feeling emotionally.
· Keep a child’s routine as normal as possible.
· Ensure a balanced diet-as nutrition can help. Less sugars and fats,
  and more in the way of protein, carbohydrates, fruit and water.
· Devote extra time to your child during stressful times. They need
  to believe their world has not changed and that those around
  them are in control.

Experts: Gladeana Mcmahon from International Stress Management, Dr Gwyneth Doherty-Sneddon, Psychologist at University of Stirling