By Shannon Bussnick, LSW
Stress is not only experienced by adults. Children also go through their own challenges and face physical, social, and emotional changes as they grow. While some levels of stress can help children develop focus and perseverance, ongoing stress can negatively impact their emotional and physical health and lead them off course. This can have both immediate and long-term effects.
It’s crucial for us, as guides in their journey, to pave pathways of understanding and coping, shining a light on strategies that nurture their ability to weather life’s ups and downs.
The Ripple Effects of Long-term Stress
Chronic stress in children isn’t just a temporary storm passing through; it can leave lasting imprints. Emotional struggles, shifts in behavior, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and an increase in physical complaints such as stomachaches or headaches are telltale signs that stress might be more than a fleeting cloud in a child’s life.
Cultivating Strategies for Resilience
As pack leaders, our role is to equip our children with the tools to navigate the stresses of life effectively.
Here’s some ways we can support them:
• Embrace Routine: Just as the rhythm of day and night provides a comforting predictability, establishing a healthy routine offers a sense of stability. Adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity lay the foundation for both mental and emotional well-being.
• Encourage Engagement in Joyful Activities: Immersing in a beloved book or rekindling a passion for a hobby can serve as a beacon of light, guiding them back to joy and away from the shadows of stress.
• Foster Open Communication: Encouraging children to share their thoughts and feelings with trusted loved ones can help them feel understood and supported, ensuring they know they’re not navigating their troubles alone.
• Connect with Nature: There’s a unique tranquility that comes from time spent outdoors, where the simplicity of nature can offer a peaceful retreat from the complexities of life.
• Promote Creative Expression: Whether it’s through art, music, or writing, creative outlets allow children to explore and express their feelings in a constructive and therapeutic manner.
• Introduce Mindfulness: Teaching children mindfulness and meditation can anchor them in the present, reducing anxieties about the past or future. Headspace is a great mindfulness app for kids, with an easy-to-follow format that promotes calm and relaxation.
Understanding Stress Responses
It’s beneficial to recognize the spectrum of stress responses—positive, tolerable, and toxic.
Positive stress is part of healthy development, while tolerable stress, when supported by caring relationships, can be managed without lasting harm.
However, toxic stress, resulting from intense and prolonged adversity without adequate support, can significantly disrupt development and health over the lifespan.
For children facing toxic stress, the presence of supportive, responsive relationships can be a powerful counterbalance, potentially mitigating or even reversing the harmful effects.
Rooted in Stability
In guiding our children through their journeys of growth and discovery, understanding the nuances of stress and equipping them with strategies to manage it not only fosters resilience but empowers them to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and grace—rooting them as sturdy as an oak when the weather decides to shake things up.
Start a conversation with your children about their emotions and stress using our worksheet as a guide.
Disclosure: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concerns.
References
• American Psychological Association. (2019, October 24). How to help children and teens manage their stress. https://www.apa.org/topics/children/stress
• Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. Toxic Stress. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/toxic-stress/
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