How can I help my child cope better with stress and pressure?
October 12, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by David Schmitt
Dear pediatrician team,
My name is Anneliese Koch and I am very worried about my child. My son Lukas is 10 years old and attends school. Lately, I have noticed that he is under a lot of stress and pressure. He is often tired, unable to sleep, and irritable. His academic performance has also declined, even though he used to be a good student. I am concerned that all the pressure and stress might overwhelm him and affect his health.
We have tried talking to him and helping him, but it doesn't seem to be effective. I wonder what I can do as a mother to help him better cope with the stress and pressure and improve his quality of life. Are there specific techniques or methods we can use to help him relax and handle the demands better? Are there any ways that we as parents can better support him?
I would greatly appreciate your help and advice, as I am truly concerned about my child's health and well-being. Thank you in advance for your support.
Kind regards,
Anneliese Koch
Dear Mrs. Koch,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a pediatrician. I am sorry to hear that your son Lukas is under such great stress and pressure. It is understandable that you are worried about his well-being. Stress can have both physical and psychological effects on children, so it is important to take timely measures to help him.
First of all, it is good that you have already tried to talk to Lukas and help him. Communication is an important first step. It is important that Lukas knows he can come to you with his worries and fears and that you are there for him.
There are various techniques and methods that can help your son cope with stress and relax. For example, relaxation exercises such as breathing exercises, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce his stress symptoms. Regular physical activity, healthy eating, enough sleep, and time for hobbies and leisure activities can also contribute to improving his well-being.
It is also important for Lukas to learn to recognize and respect his own limits. Perhaps he can learn to better organize himself and set priorities to reduce the pressure. As parents, you can help him by providing support and encouragement, but also by setting clear boundaries and helping him set realistic goals.
It may also be helpful to seek professional help, for example from a child psychologist or therapist specializing in stress management in children. They can help you and Lukas develop appropriate strategies to deal with stress.
I hope these suggestions will help you and that Lukas will soon find more inner peace and balance. If you have any further questions or need additional support, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
David Schmitt
