Children have different reactions to unwanted events in their environment. Different children will show different signs of distress.
Some signs of trouble may not be so obvious. Here are some of the signs that can indicate that a child is under stress at different ages.
Many of these reactions only last for a short time and are normal responses to stressful events. If these reactions last for a long period of time, the child may need the help of a doctor, he reports N1.
Children of different ages react differently to stress. See below how children of a certain age react to unpleasant circumstances.
Children from 0-3 years
- They cling to their parents more than usual
- A return to younger behaviors
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Increased irritability
- Increased hyperactivity
- He is more afraid of things
- A child is more demanding
- Irritability
Children aged 4-6 years
- They stick to adults
- A return to younger behaviors
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Increased irritability
- Poor concentration
- Inactivity or hyperactivity
- Taking on the role of adults
- Cessation of speech
- Concern
Children 7-12 years
- Withdrawal
- Frequent concern for others
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Increased irritability
- Frequent aggression
- Unrest
- Poor memory and concentration
- Physical symptoms / psychosomatic
- It often talks about a recurring event or game
- They feel guilty or blame themselves
Children 13-17 years old (teenagers)
- Intense pain
- Shows excessive concern for others
- Feelings of guilt and shame
- More and more defiant of authority
- Increased risk taking
- Aggression
- Self-destructiveness
- A feeling of hopelessness
- Emotional checks
The coronavirus pandemic has been an emotionally difficult time for everyone and many children have been greatly affected, according to the Unicef website. You should check in regularly to see how your child is doing. This means that you should ask children "how are they" in a direct or indirect way. One way is to ask the child to draw or paint a picture. Ask them to tell you more about the picture, what they drew or why they used a certain color. This can help some children to talk about how they feel, while other children may be happy to show the picture without discussion, let the child decide, reports Unicef.
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