Stress and students

Learning to manage your stress is only half the battle in schools, because often your students are under equal pressure. There are things you can do to help.

Q: What are some of the causes of stress in youngsters?

A: Keeping in mind that stress is idiosyncratic, for children as well as for adults, some common causes include: Family problems (like separation, divorce, death, sibling rivalry, being a latchkey child)… Peer group pressure (Am I as taIl/smart/tough as Johnny? Do I really want to go along with them?)…Development (like puberty, self-esteem, losing in a game)… Academic requirements and achievements (including test anxiety)… Health… Moving to a new school… Being held back a grade…

Q: How can I identify students under stress?

A: Look for common warning signs, including: Truancy…Change in academic performance…Limited participation in group activities…Daydreaming/withdrawal during classroom activities…Hyperactivity, noisiness, fidgeting all the time… Inappropriate behavior (laughing when something isn’t funny)… Giving up on assignments or saying, “I’m too dumb”… Doodling, drawing or otherwise playing instead of doing work…Arguing, disobeying, being rude to adults or students… Seeking praise and attention constantly… Cheating, tattling, stealing frequently… Disregarding school rules and conventions…

Q: How can I help a child who’s under stress?

A: Remember that your responses can have positive influences upon youngsters … Convey disapproval of a child’s behavior, but not of the child himself or herself… Encourage the child to explain why he or she behaves in this way… Take the youngster’s feelings seriously… Act with respect for the student even while correcting him or her… Explain what is expected and why… Encourage development of self-respect and respect for others… Realize that you as an educator may be the child’s only positive adult role model…