Sometimes parents are even deceived by the behavior of children who are actually stressed because they are still considered fussy and whiny, which is normal. Unlike adults, children often cannot express their feelings easily. When he feels depressed, often it is attributed to unpleasant behaviors or symptoms.
Often fussy, frequent crying, biting nails and tantrums, these could be some of the signs that the child is experiencing stress and depression. For this reason, always paying attention to behavior changes that occur in children is an important thing for parents to do with the child’s attitude. And here, we identify the signs of stress that occurs in children that may be often overlooked by parents.
Causes of Stress in Toddlers
Before recognizing the symptoms that may occur in toddlers who experience stress, here we know what factors can trigger stress in toddlers.
1. Change in Environment and Atmosphere
The environment and atmosphere changes such as moving to a new house with a new atmosphere and a new environment of interaction. When this condition occurs, it will trigger children to be more active in their environment, which makes them take it out at home.
2. Quarrels that occur at home
The conflict that occurs in the family whether it is done by both parents, siblings and people at home, if the child witnesses or hears about this in addition to the fear they feel, they will also experience stress and depression. This is normal, because in general, children are not able to give their opinion or rejection of what they do not like.
3. Death of Pets
Like losing friends, losing a beloved pet that is loved so much will be a deep sorrow for the child. This sadness and grief may make children unable to accept stressful situations.
4. School Problems
Some problems that occur at school, such as getting angry with the teacher, or fighting with friends, make children even more depressed and stressed. He will show the things that trigger stress in living his life by doing everything excessively such as laughing, crying, angry or his reaction when playing and being outside the house.
Symptoms of Stress in Toddlers
Symptoms that may begin to appear when children experience stress may be a little difficult for parents to detect. For that, identify the following symptoms so that stress symptoms in children can be detected as early as possible.
- Change to be more sensitive and irritable.
- It’s hard to eat, too many excuses to start eating.
- Easy to fuss, everything becomes a source of trouble for him.
- Laughter too much.
- Sleep that is not good enough and makes him often have nightmares.
As parents, of course there is an understanding of what triggers them to do these things. Maybe there is something that makes them feel uncomfortable and annoyed. Here, your role is needed to teach toddlers how they can adapt to the existing environment, because not all wills can be enforced.
Coping With Stress In Toddlers
1. Do good communication
When symptoms arise that indicate the child is experiencing stress, it’s good to ask him what makes it like that. ask what he wants. This will make them feel cared for and the stressful despair will start to fade away.
2. Invite Them To Sleep and Calm Their Mind
Invite them to lie down comfortably in bed and imagine beautiful things. This can teach children to get used to turning themselves in when problems come to them.
3. Let Children Listen to Music
Let them listen to their favorite music while dancing cheerfully to calm their hearts. That way his anger and depression will slowly disappear.
Childhood is an important period in the child’s development, both physically and mentally. For that, it is important to make children happy, feel comfortable, calm and safe.
