كيفية تمييز علامات الكرب لدى الأطفال
استجابات شائعة للكرب بين الأطفال
Children have different reactions to negative events in their environment. General culture affects the ways in which we express our feelings. For example, it is inappropriate in some cultures to show strong emotions, such as crying out loud, while other cultures accept this.
Some signs of distress may not be obvious. Below are some signs of distress at different age stages. Different children show different signs of distress.
Did you know? In times of stress and crisis, children observe adults' behaviors and emotions to get cues on how to manage their own emotions.
Common reactions to stress among children
Many of these reactions may occur for a short time and are normal reactions to stressful events. If these reactions persist for extended periods, the child may need specialist support.
the age |
reaction |
|
0–3 years |
|
|
4–6 years |
|
|
7–12 years |
|
|
13–17 years (teens) |
|
|
All age groups — physical reactions These may also include signs of physical illness, so it is recommended to take the child to the doctor to ensure that he does not have any physical problems. |
|
|
Very severe reactions to distress among children if they occur, most of the time Children who show these signs over a long period of time need specialist support. |
|
Emotional check-up
You should regularly check how your child is feeling. This means asking the child “How are you” directly or indirectly. One method is to ask your child to draw or color a picture, then ask him, for example, to tell you about the picture, what he painted in it, or why he used specific colors. This may help some children talk about their feelings, while other children may feel happy showing what they have drawn without any discussion, so you should let the child decide that.
Activities to reduce stress and support child wellness
These activities can be done with your child to help reduce stress and provide them with positive coping strategies to support their well-being. These activities are also beneficial for you, and you can do them with your child.
Belly breathing
When we feel stressed, our breathing usually becomes weak and we breathe from the upper chest, and we forget to breathe deeply until the breath reaches the abdominal cavity. Belly breathing is calming and helps us draw oxygen deep into the lungs.
How to perform this breathing:
- Place your hands on your stomach
- Take 5 deep breaths, inhaling for 5 seconds and exhaling for another 5 seconds, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.
- You must explain to your child that when he inhales, he inflates his stomach slowly, as if he were inflating a balloon, and that he exhales the air slowly with the exhale, as if he is coming out of a balloon.
My own place
We can sometimes feel that the events of the world around us seem overwhelming. The child can take a short period of time to imagine that he is in a calm, stress-free place, which may make him feel less stressed. Here is an activity to help your child imagine such a place.
How to perform this activity:
- Sit or lie in a comfortable position, close your eyes and relax
- Take several slow breaths through the nose into the abdomen. Exhale air from the mouth
- Continue breathing slowly and gently. A long, gentle inhale, then a long, gentle exhale
- Listen to the following story in your imagination, follow it, and imagine yourself inside it:
"Imagine that you are standing on a white sand beach in the morning and everything around you is calm. The sun is slowly rising, and you can feel the warm light on your face and body. You feel happy and at peace. The sand under your bare feet is soft and warm. There is a light breeze touching your face. The sky is wide blue, The birds are flying and singing. It's safe, and you can relax here. This is a place you can always return to, and it's always there inside your heart. You can visit this place whenever you want. And now, gradually, begin to notice your breathing again — the gentle rhythm of the inhalation and exhalation. Notice your sense "Blow the air onto your skin. Start by gently moving your fingers and toes. Breathe in and stretch your muscles. Then exhale deeply. When you're ready, open your eyes again."
