While reading the paper I was trying to think of ways we could fix this problem, but then I realized it was already being done. There was an ad campaign a while back, which may or may not still be going on, that encouraged family dinners. This is a perfect opportunity for parents and kids to get a lot of things off their shoulders. If the parents are aware of what is troubling their children then perhaps they could do more to ease the stress. If parents are able to let the family know what is bothering them as well it could create a less stressful environment for the kids. Doctors could also be a lot better about helping parents out when it comes to stress, all of the methods are there, parent's just need to be informed of them.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Stress and Kids
I just finished reading the assigned article "The Kids aren't Alright" by Christopher Munsey and thought I would comment on a few things. First of all, whenever I'm reading an assignment or listening to Dr. Risser speak in class about things we as humans go through while developing I think back to that point in my life and see if it matches up. Reading through this article I thought back to what was going on in my life between the ages of 8 and 17. Long story short I would say that school, siblings, and family troubles were what stressed me out the most and I was never certain if my parents understood what was really going on with me. I will admit that they were better about it than most parents, after reading this paper. It is very troubling to know that so many parents are either unaware of or misinterpreting what is stressing their children out. It also makes me wonder how many simply don't care about their children's troubles, even if it's because they're too wrapped up in their own problems.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
In my previous topic about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I discussed how children are affected by stressfull events, and if it is left untreated serious consequences can result. I believe the reason stress in children goes unrecognized or treated, is due to parents not being educated about the topic. Stress in children is more prevalent that most think. Parents do not see that children can undergo extreme amounts of stress, which can have lasting implications. The first step in treating, and preventing stress in children is to be educated about the topic, and to recognize when your child is stressed. Therefore, the first step in preventing, and treating stress is to be educated about the topic, and recognize the signs and symptoms.
ReplyDeleteI agree that family dinners are very opportune times to connect with your children. Its a time that you can focus your complete attention on your family. I growing up was required to have dinner with my family every night up until my high school years, this tradition began to fade. I also believe that some parents share too much with their children. I believe there are certain things that should be filtered. Conversations can have a lasting affect on such critical times of development.
ReplyDeleteI also agree, I think that if parents are to busy with their everyday lives and don’t have as much time as they would like to with their children, family dinner is a priority that should happen every single night. Children do not open up as easy as we would like them too instead it’s sometimes a stretch to get anything out of them. I know this kid who is a sophomore is high school now that last year ran away from home. He ran away because he had so much stress on himself and didn’t open up to anyone, he was stressing out because of football and his family wasn’t spending enough time together as a whole. I personally believe if this family would have family dinners and talk about their days it would really open their relationships up and form a bigger and broader bond on the family. All it takes is someone that wants to listen and then they will open up.
ReplyDelete