As a parent, you're already doing so much to nurture your child's emotional well-being. However, even our youngest family members can feel the weight of stress. By understanding how stress shows up in children, you can continue to support them in handling life's ups and downs with confidence and ease. Let's explore how you can recognize the signs of stress in your child and build on the great work you're already doing to help them thrive.
You're probably already noticing how your child expresses their emotions, and that's a great start. Children experience stress differently than adults, and recognizing these signs is the first step in supporting your child's emotional health. By understanding how stress starts in children of different ages, you can provide the support and guidance they need to feel secure, safe, and understood.
Toddlers: You might see stress in toddlers as increased clinginess, sleep disturbances, changes in eating habits, or more frequent crying. They might also become more irritable, afraid of things, or try to avoid things by looking away or squirming.
Preschoolers: Preschoolers might go back to doing behaviors they used to do, like sucking their thumb, have changes in sleeping and eating patterns, or become more inactive or hyperactive. They may also show higher irritability and have trouble concentrating.
It's also important to be aware of the potential for toxic stress, which can have lasting impacts on a child's development. If you're curious to learn more, check out our toxic stress pages for tips on how to address and prevent it, and discover ways to continue providing a nurturing environment for your child.
A supportive environment can also help your child feel comfortable expressing their emotions, and this helps them manage their stress. When you are checking in with your child about their feelings, you are learning more about how your child expresses their emotions and giving them a chance to do so in a way that is comfortable to them.
If you are looking for other ways to check in with how your child is feeling, try creative activities like drawing or painting. Encourage them to create a picture and then ask open-ended questions about their artwork. For example, you might ask them to tell you more about what they've drawn or why they chose specific colors. This approach can help some children express their feelings through their art, providing insights into their emotional state.
Remember, it's important to let your child lead the conversation. Some children may prefer to show their picture without discussing it, and that's perfectly okay. Allowing them to decide how much they want to share shows that you respect them, and it fosters a sense of independence. By being attentive and responsive during these check-ins, you create a safe space for your child to explore and express their emotions, helping them feel understood and supported.
In addition to emotional check-ins, you can engage in calming activities with your child. Here are some techniques to enhance what you may already be doing and help reduce stress:
Dragon Breathing: Teach your child dragon breathing to promote calmness. Encourage them to take a big breath that fills their belly slowly, like a balloon. Then, blow out all the air like a dragon breathing fire! This simple exercise can be done anytime your child feels overwhelmed. To add in some fun while you practice, sing along to our remix of the Dragon Song, “Just Breathe,” featuring Snoop Dogg’s Doggyland!
My Special Place: Guide your child to imagine a calm, stress-free environment. Encourage them to visualize a peaceful setting, like a beach or a cozy room, and focus on relaxation and deep breathing. This mental space can be revisited whenever they need a moment of calmness.
Calm Down Kit: Consider creating a Calm Down Kit with your child, including items they find soothing, such as favorite toys, sensory objects, or a stress ball. Involving them in the creation process can increase their engagement and likelihood of using it when needed.
By combining emotional check-ins with these stress-reducing activities, you're helping your child develop healthy coping skills and build resilience. These practices not only support their emotional health but also empower them to navigate life's challenges with confidence.
