Stress: physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. Sometimes stress happens in response to a particular event or experience, like a big test is coming up, or getting a detention at school. This is called acute stress. But sometimes stress occurs over a long time and isn't resolved quickly, like stressing about getting into the right college, friendships/relationships, and family finances (yes, even for kids!). This is known as chronic stress.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Stress can look different for everyone, but some common signs of students experiencing stress include:
avoidance
quick attitude changes
quiet body language
change in typical autonomy
irritability
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY CHILD COPE WITH THEIR STRESS?
Deep breathing
Focusing on What They Can Control versus What They Cannot Control
Maintaining a Positive Mindset
Forward/Future thinking (stress can be temporary!)