How to recognize the symptoms of stress in children and how to help them?

The current Covid-19 pandemic, school closures and confinement measures are not only stressful for adults, but also for children, including the little ones. The change in routine, the fear of being contaminated, or not playing with their friends can lead to symptoms of stress that sometimes go unnoticed.

How to spot stress in children?

From an early age, children can express frustration or increased stress through a change in behavior or certain symptoms that are not always perceived by those around them:

• They cry a lot, have nightmares, are very grumpy or irritable;
• They have a regressive behavior and ask to be fed, sleep with their parents or go back to wetting the bed;
• They find it difficult to stay focused and lose interest in activities they used to enjoy;
• They develop physical symptoms like headaches, body aches or stomach pains;
• In older children, we can observe an unusual consumption of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or video games.

How to help them?

First of all, it is important as adults to protect children against the over-information and anxiety that the media and social networks can cause. Do not hesitate to have a regular dialogue with them to explain what is happening and answer their questions.

Then, it is important to explain to them that confinement is not a punishment, but on the contrary its interest, that is to say to protect others against this virus. Do not hesitate to motivate them regularly in the event of a drop in morale.

Help them establish a routine for the day, for example by planning the morning when they wake up, how the day will unfold, while letting them make certain daily choices with regard to activities, their organization or meals, for example. In this way they will feel reassured to have control over certain aspects of their daily life which becomes more predictable for them.

Finally, thanks to modern technologies, it is important to maintain a regular connection with their friends and family in order to help them feel less isolated.

Find out more: “Incroyable Me controls anxiety: Anxiety management training guide” by Nadia Berghella (Illustrations), Nathalie Couture, Midi Thirty editions.