Signs of stress in a child: learn to recognize signals.
It is important to be able to recognize signs of stress in a child, which can manifest themselves differently depending on age and personality. These can be changes in behavior (irritability, aggression, isolation), sleep and appetite disorders, physical complaints (headaches, abdominal pain), decreased academic performance. Pay attention to any deviations from your child’s usual behavior and do not ignore them. Early detection of the problem is the key to a successful solution.
Active listening: let the child speak out.
When a child is experiencing difficulties, he needs to feel your support and understanding. Create a safe space for communication. Listen actively without interrupting, even if you think the problem is not serious. Show that you hear and understand his feelings, using phrases like: “I understand that it’s very hard for you now”, “Tell me what happened”. Don’t try to give advice right away, your task is just to listen.
Emotional validation: recognize the child’s feelings.
You should not devalue the child’s feelings, even if they seem unjustified to you. Phrases like “Don’t cry, everything will be fine” can make a child feel misunderstood. Instead, confirm his feelings: “You’re upset because…”, “I see you’re very angry.” This will help the child feel that his emotions are important and accepted.
Practical advice and support: help find solutions.
After you have listened to the child and confirmed his feelings, you can move on to finding solutions. Discuss the situation together, think about what can be done to improve the situation. Do not try to solve everything for the child, help him find his own ways to solve the problem, developing his independence and self-confidence.
Taking care of yourself: remember your own emotional stability.
Supporting a child in difficult times is a difficult task that requires a lot of energy and patience. It is important to remember your own emotional stability. Don’t forget about your needs, take time for yourself, communicate with your loved ones, do what you love. Only in this case you can effectively help your child.