Being nervous before a sports competition, having butterflies in your stomach before leaving for a week at summer camp, having sweaty palms before an oral presentation… these are all situations that can generate stress.
Feeling stressed is totally normal! However, your child must learn to manage it so that it does not turn into fear, panic or anxiety. Many children control their stress easily, others do not. As a parent, you can (and should) help your child. Here are some tips.
Watching and Listening
Rare are the children who will point blankly tell you, "Mom, I'm stressed," hence the importance of watching for the telltale signs. He will rather tell you that he no longer wants to go to summer camp, that it will be “pocket”.
Although stress manifests itself differently from one person to another, certain signs should attract your attention:
- Skin diseases (e.g. eczema);
- Sleep problems (insomnia and nightmares);
- Headache or migraine;
- Stomach ache or nausea;
- Stutter;
- Irritability, mood swings, aggressiveness;
- Loss of appetite.
Also, ask him to tell you about his concerns. Then you can find solutions.
Relaxation and Relaxation
A particular stress event? Suggest some relaxation exercises. For example, he can visualize the final of his soccer tournament. He will see himself arriving at the stadium, changing in the locker room and laughing with his teammates, walking towards the field, warming up, making passes, scoring goals…
Having trouble falling asleep? Listening to relaxing music or doing breathing exercises might help.
Unconditional love
The love you have for your child does not depend on his academic results or his athletic prowess. Reassure him about this and explain to him that the efforts he puts in are much more important than the results. The main thing is that he always gives the best of himself.
You can draw a parallel with your work and describe a situation where you worked very hard and did not achieve the desired result. Yet your boss didn't quibble with you, much less kick you out.
Good sleep
Many worries magically disappear after a good night's sleep. In addition, sleep promotes calm and a good mood.
In closing, remember that your role is to support your child. Even if seeing him suffer breaks your heart, you must resist the temptation to overprotect him. It must be exposed tostressors to learn how to manage them alone. Of course, he knows that you will always be there to help him if he needs you.
