People often say that they would want to be a child again just to be free of responsibilities and worries.

However, not many realise that even children can undergo high levels of stress while growing up. If gone unnoticed, this can easily lead to other mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Stress can be caused by many different factors, especially situations that involve change. This change can include taking on a new endeavour or more bitter experiences such as a death in the family.

Some of the most common factors of stress can stem from simple actions, incidences and behaviours which are often overlooked.

Separation anxiety

Children typically do not take well to being separated from their families. For children who have just entered preschool or primary school, they might be restless from being separated from their family members for a prolonged period of time.

The same feeling can also happen to older kids or teenagers if they suddenly learn that the family is relocating and they have to change schools in the middle of the year.

In such situations, they may feel anxious about not being to see their friends again, bringing an end to relationships they have built over numerous years.

Family problems

With family being their closest ally, any change in family structure can cause major stress to children.

This can include what is normally deemed as happy occasions such as welcoming a new sibling or witnessing a wedding.

Events such as losing a grandparent, witnessing a divorce or coming from a broken family are some of the biggest stress inducers among children.

The effects can be long term, even when the child becomes an adult.

Not knowing how to cope and accept these changes affect their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. The situation becomes all the more serious if the child blames himself for the broken relationship or event.

Watching the family struggle with money related issues can also be a high-stress inducer for children. Children may not recognise the importance of money at a young age, but they will realise when family members feel distressed and helpless.

Education and school

School going children are usually expected to achieve specific goals at school, such as doing well in their examinations and being active in sports.

This can be draining on young minds, especially if they are constantly pressured to do achieve better and better results.

Some children may not be academically inclined and being in a competitive environment where grades are prioritised can be a very stressful situation for them.

Self-blame and doubts about personal capabilities can be something that your child may be thinking about on a regular basis.

Constant care required

It is important for parents to take note of how their kids react and behave.

They might feel helpless for not being able to do anything and this may cause frequent feelings of anger and frustration. Eventually, kids may end up demotivated across various aspects of life.

Unlike physical changes caused by stress, psychological changes cannot be detected immediately. It can start with mild effects like anxiety and anxiousness, and grow into bigger issues such as depression, confusion and other mental illnesses.

Without proper treatment, this can also escalate into high blood pressure and a weakened immune system.

Continued exposure to untreated stress can drastically change the behaviour of any child. They could lose their appetite or even develop eating disorders. This will likely be followed by changes in sleeping patterns and cause conditions such as insomnia. Other effects also include sudden outbursts of anger and extreme fatigue.

If your child shows symptoms of stress, don’t look for temporary solutions like distracting them with gadgets.

Instead, help your child to better channel their emotions. Lead by example and show them how to express their feelings in a safe way.

Conclusion

The above are the same reasons parents must make smart choices when deciding a school for their children. School going children sometimes spend more hours with their teachers at school as compared to their own parents.

Hence, be sure to look up schools that are set up to tend to your children’s psychological needs.

Learn about aspects such as teacher to student ratios, the number of time teachers spend in class, if schools have counsellors on hand, and ask the principal how the school manages stressful situations.

It is hoped then that when children are under immense stress, teachers will be able to pick up changes in behaviour, support the children and advise parents accordingly.

Schooladvisor.my provides information on private and international schools, extra-curricular activities as well as other education-related topics in Malaysia.