As a parent, caregiver, or educator, it’s easy to assume that stress only affects adults. However, children experience stress too—often in ways that we might not immediately recognise. As a drama teacher, I've seen firsthand how stress impacts kids, whether it's school pressure, social challenges, or changes at home. The good news is, with the right understanding and support, we can help children navigate and manage their stress in healthy ways.
What is Stress in Children?
Stress is how the body reacts to demands, and while we often think of it in terms of adult responsibilities, kids also face their own pressures. It might come from:
School stress: Homework, exams, and performance expectations can be overwhelming, even for younger children.
Social challenges: Peer pressure, friendship dynamics, or even bullying can create anxiety.
Family changes: Moving homes, changes in family structure, or even the stress of seeing parents stressed can affect children.
Emotional struggles: Not having the tools to express sadness, anger, or frustration can lead to internal stress.
Too much stimulation: With all the distractions around—screens, noise, busy schedules—it's easy for kids to feel overstimulated.
As a drama teacher, I've often seen children show signs of stress in ways that aren't immediately obvious. They might not always know how to tell you they're struggling, but there are clues we can look for.
Signs of Stress in Children
Children can show stress in subtle ways. Sometimes they might act out, other times they may become withdrawn. Here are some signs to watch for:
Behavioural changes: Increased irritability or mood swings can be a red flag. Kids who are usually calm might start acting out, or those who are more expressive might retreat into silence.
Physical symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, or unexplained aches and pains can sometimes be a child’s way of manifesting stress.
Sleep issues: Trouble falling asleep, frequent waking during the night, or nightmares can signal anxiety.
Changes in appetite: Stress can cause a child to either eat too much or not eat enough.
Struggling to focus: A normally focused child might suddenly become easily distracted or forgetful when stressed.
Withdrawal: They may stop participating in activities they once enjoyed or avoid spending time with friends.
As someone who works directly with children, I know how important it is to catch these signs early. If you notice them, it’s worth digging deeper to see how you can help.
How Stress Affects a Child’s Mental and Physical Health
Stress isn't just an emotional issue—it affects the brain and body, too. When children are stressed, their bodies release chemicals like cortisol, which is part of the body’s "fight or flight" response. While this is useful in certain situations, if stress becomes chronic, it can affect a child’s emotional and physical health.
Ongoing stress can:
Make it harder for them to focus and learn.
Weaken their immune system, making them more susceptible to illnesses.
Lead to mental health struggles like anxiety or depression.
Affect how they interact with others, making them more withdrawn or reactive.
Result in behavioural changes, such as mood swings or trouble regulating emotions.
As a drama teacher, I know how important it is to address these things early, so children can build the emotional tools they need to thrive.
How You Can Support Your Child Through Stress
Supporting a child through stress is about more than just soothing their worries—it’s about giving them the tools to understand and manage their emotions. Here are a few simple ways to help:
1. Create a Safe, Open Environment
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings. Sometimes all it takes is a non-judgmental listener to help a child process what they’re going through. At Empower Arts, we create a space where kids feel safe to express themselves—whether through drama, conversations, or simply by feeling heard.
2. Teach Relaxation Techniques
Kids often don’t know how to relax when they’re stressed, so teaching them simple techniques can make a big difference. Breathing exercises like "breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breathe out for 4 seconds" can help them reset in the moment. I love teaching kids how to use their breath to manage their emotions—it's a life skill they’ll carry with them.
3. Encourage Physical Movement
Whether it’s dancing, playing outside, or just going for a walk, physical activity can help reduce stress. I often use drama exercises that involve movement, and it’s incredible to see how kids’ moods can shift when they get to move around and release some of that pent-up energy.
4. Set Healthy Boundaries with Screens
We all know how overstimulation from screens can cause stress. Setting limits on screen time and encouraging more hands-on activities can help kids reset. At Empower Arts, we focus on activities that stimulate creativity, like storytelling, acting, and group games—these activities are fantastic at giving children a break from screens and helping them engage with the world in a different way.
5. Establish Consistent Routines
Kids feel safe when there’s a predictable routine. Setting a regular schedule for meals, homework, and playtime can help a stressed child feel more grounded. At our drama classes, we create a structure that helps children feel secure, allowing them to focus on learning and creativity without worrying about the unknown.
6. Offer Downtime and Relaxation
We often forget how important downtime is. Encouraging your child to take breaks and engage in quiet activities, like drawing or reading, can give them the space they need to reset. In drama, we incorporate relaxation activities, which help children unwind and reduce stress through creative expression.
7. Use Drama to Let Off Steam
Drama is a wonderful outlet for children to express emotions they might not fully understand. Through role-play, storytelling, and improvisation, children can work through their stress in a fun and creative way. It's a safe space where they can express feelings, act out different scenarios, and even just laugh at the silly characters they create. It’s incredible how much lighter kids can feel after expressing themselves through drama.
8. Be a Role Model
Kids learn by example, so it's important to show them how you handle your own stress. When they see you managing your stress in healthy ways, like taking a deep breath, talking about your feelings, or practicing relaxation, they’re more likely to mirror those behaviours.
As a drama teacher, I’ve seen how stress can weigh heavily on children, but I’ve also seen how the right support and tools can help them manage it. Whether through creative expression, physical movement, or simply providing a listening ear, there’s so much we can do to help children navigate stress and come out stronger.
If you’re looking for a way to support your child through their stress, consider introducing them to drama as a way of expression. At Empower Arts, we create a space where children can explore their feelings, have fun, and learn to manage their stress through creativity. Together, we can help them build resilience and confidence that will serve them well in the future. You can find out more information here https://www.empower-arts.co.uk/book-a-class
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