Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about stress in children, and information about how you can help your child:

1. What causes a child to experience stress?




Kids experience two different types of stress, says Bettie B. Youngs, PhD, author of Stress and Your Child: Helping Kids Cope With the Strains and Pressures of Life (Fawcett Columbine, 1995).

The first is normative stress, which occurs at different stages of a child's development. Learning to walk, talk, use the toilet, and make friends can be stressful for a child. But these are productive forms of anxiety in that they help a child grow and become more independent.

The second kind of stress is life-change stress, and it's typically more confusing and upsetting to children. Events or situations that can trigger life-change stress include:

• Divorce. When parents divorce, or even when they fight, a child's sense of security is threatened, making him feel alone and scared.
• Moving. Children who move from a familiar home, community, school, or group of friends often have feelings of insecurity, confusion, and anxiety.
• Death. Children are very confused by death, whether it's the death of a family member, friend, or beloved pet. A child may feel that he somehow caused the death, which can create a great deal of guilt and stress.
• Activity overload. Running from school to athletic activities to music lessons without taking time to relax can cause feelings of anxiety in a child.
• Peer pressure. Preschoolers and school-age children can be influenced by what other children think and how they act. Conforming to these standards--and not wanting to be different from others--can also cause children to feel anxious.



2. Can stress make my child sick?
   
   

   An otherwise healthy child will not likely be made physically ill by everyday sources of stress. But the immune systems of children who are overly fatigued, deficient in key nutrients, or don't get enough exercise may become weakened due to stress. In stressful situations these children are more susceptible to illnesses, such as the common cold and the flu.

   Make sure your child sleeps well, eats right, and gets a fair amount of exercise. This will help ensure that her body is better equipped to handle feelings of stress and ward off illnesses.