Children often lack the words needed to verbalize the stress they feel, and their physical and emotional symptoms may be very different from an adult’s, Physically, children manifest stomachaches and headaches in response to stress, or they may have trouble sleeping. Emotionally, they may be prone to outbursts about seemingly petty things, situations unrelated to the actual cause of stress. Also, you may find that they have become very suddenly shy or introverted.

As with so many human problems, communication offers many solutions for stress. Make it clear to your children that they can talk to you about any problem freely and openly. No matter how small a problem may seem to your adult ears, listen with openness and acceptance. A child may hide a problem if he or she feels it will disappoint you. So demonstrate to your child that your love is unconditional, and that you are honored to help your child in this way. Make it clear that no problem is too small or too embarrassing to be dealt with honestly and sincerely.