Helping Your Child Manage Stress & Build Resilience

Stress and anxiety can be overwhelming for children and teens, especially during high-pressure times like the end of the year or major school transitions. Recognizing the signs early and equipping them with healthy coping strategies can make all the difference. Let’s explore common stressors, warning signs, and ways to support your child in developing resilience.

Signs Your Child May Be Stressed

Stress often manifests in both physical and behavioral ways. If your child is struggling, you may notice:

• Headaches, muscle tension, or stomach aches

• Sleep disturbances—sleeping too much or too little

• Withdrawing from activities and social interactions

• Restlessness, difficulty focusing, or fidgeting

• Constant worrying about school, friends, or the future

• Increased irritability or unpredictable mood swings

These signs can indicate that stress is taking a toll on their well-being, making it essential to provide support and guidance.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Coping Strategies

Children and teens naturally seek ways to cope with stress, but not all methods are beneficial.

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms:

• Avoidance—procrastinating or denying the problem

• Substance use—turning to alcohol, tobacco, or drugs

• Self-harm—such as cutting to find temporary relief

• Emotional suppression—bottling up feelings instead of processing them

Healthy Coping Strategies:

• Problem-solving – Breaking down tasks into manageable steps

• Emotional regulation – Practicing mindfulness and acknowledging feelings

• Seeking support – Talking to friends, family, or counselors

• Movement – Engaging in physical activity to reduce stress and improve mood

• Healthy hobbies – Drawing, music, or other creative outlets that provide relaxation

Encouraging these healthy habits can empower your child to navigate stress more effectively.

Building Resilience for Long-Term Success

Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from challenges. Helping your child develop this skill will support them not only in school but throughout life.

• Encourage a Growth Mindset – Teach them that challenges are opportunities for learning, not failures.

• Promote Self-Efficacy – Reinforce their ability to handle difficult situations by celebrating their progress and giving them responsibilities.

• Teach Self-Compassion – Help them recognize negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations.

• Foster Independence – Allow them to make decisions and problem-solve on their own, building confidence and adaptability.

By modeling and reinforcing these principles, you create a supportive environment that helps your child manage stress and build resilience.

Final Thoughts

Stress is a natural part of life, but with the right tools and support, your child can learn to manage it in healthy ways. Continuing to monitor your child’s stress level and offer them support will set them up for a lifetime of success.