Stress and Anxiety in Children and Teens

"Psychologists also say that if teens don’t learn healthy ways to manage their stress now, it could have serious long-term health implications. Research finds that between 8 and 10 percent of American children and teens are seriously troubled by stress symptoms. And stress is also hitting our children at younger ages." - Michele Borba

Signs of Stress in Children and Teens
by Michele Borba
REALITY CHECK: Reports say that stress is mounting in our children, and that we parents are often unaware of just how stressed our kids are.

Each child handles and shows stress differently. A big key to helping our children is learning to recognize their unique signs, which type of events or issues cause angst, and then teach healthy ways to manage stress.

Stress: A Top Kid Health Concern
The American Psychological Association (APA) released troubling survey results about our kids. The “Stress in America” surveyed 1206 young people ages eight to seventeen as well as 1568 adults conducted by Harris Interactive. The report, building on past research, revealed that stress is a top health concern for American teens between 9th and 12th grade. Among key study findings is this:
“Parents underestimate the extent of their kids’ stress.” 

The big red flag for parents and educators to keep in mind: Our kids are much more stressed than we think. Read the entire article for the signs of stress in children and teens>>


49 Phrases to Calm an Anxious Child
by Renee Jain, MAPP
It happens to every child in one form or another – anxiety. As parents, we would like to shield our children from life’s anxious moments, but navigating anxiety is an essential life skill that will serve them in the years to come. In the heat of the moment, try these simple phrases to help your children identify, accept, and work through their anxious moments.

1. “Can you draw it?”
Drawing, painting or doodling about an anxiety provides kids with an outlet for their feelings when they can’t use their words.

2.  “I love you. You are safe.”
Being told that you will be kept safe by the person you love the most is a powerful affirmation. Remember, anxiety makes your children feel as if their minds and bodies are in danger. Repeating they are safe can soothe the nervous system.
Read the entire article for more phrases to calm an anxious child>>