5 Indicators of emotional stress.
Children are not always able to articulate their concerns. What are the signs to look for if children need support with emotional stress.
Supporting a strong sense of emotional awareness is enhanced by the relationship children have with supporting adults. Children are not always able to articulate their concerns. When they believe they can talk with someone, they are able to share concerns before they escalate. From an early age, encouraging an open relationship which allows children to be able to share and ask for support is paramount, particularly as children move through puberty.
Finding material to support emotional resilience is not always a quick and easy process. Cumbria Local Safeguarding Children Board (www.cumbrialscb.com) has put together a fantastic resource to support teachers and parents. The guidelines are a great support for anyone who is concerned about the emotional wellbeing of children in their care. Of course, in all instances, consulting a professional is highly recommended.
When there are concerns around primary age children’s emotional state, the Cumbria LSCB recommends awareness of the following signs:
· Sleep
· School attendance
· Activeness
· Friends and family
· Emotions and energy levels
Sleep
Potential signs to watch out for include if children begin to encounter difficulties going to sleep, remaining asleep for the duration of the night or encounter difficulties waking up. If there are noticeable changes, which remain for an extended duration, a professional should be consulted.
School Attendance
If children insist on having many days off school, often due to illness, they may be having social difficulties. Why the change? Are they academically struggling, or finding the pressure from expectations too overwhelming? Your relationships will allow for the conversation to flow but be prepared, as they may not always offer a lot of insight.
Activeness
It is wonderful to see children who are active in social groups, sports programs or other non-for-profit social organisations. If a change in their activeness is apparent, consider other issues that may be at play. The statement ‘I can’t be bothered’ can be used regularly by teenagers, but if consistent, increase your engagement with your child to attempt to understand why there is the change in state. What has brought about the change?
Friends and Family
Be alert if children are shutting out family members and friends who have previously been significant in their lives. If they are not going out as much, struggling to control their temper or beginning new relationships that seem inappropriate, ask questions. It is hoped children can openly share with their carer’s, the people who they enjoy spending time with.
Emotions/Energy
As children move towards the teenage years, some of these signs seem to be part of the process. The need to pick fights, inability to communicate feelings, lack of concentration or retaining logical ideas are areas to consider your children may need to understand and adjust their behaviour. A lack of resilience during challenging situations, more so than normal, also shows the need for additional support.
The key to all aspects of wellbeing is the relationship you have with children. Whether you are the teacher or care-giver, the initial signs can be missed when referencing teenage children. Attempt the conversations, encourage children to share their plans and ask out of interest for what they are doing. Spend time and show an interest in their life, the people they are associating with and the environment which surrounds them. Always remembering that problematic behaviour is often a sign that a child is having difficulties and requires assistance in order to modify their behaviour.
References:
Bron Gowty is an end of life guide, kinesiologist and pastoral & spiritual carer.