Monitor children for signs of stress

A natural disaster like Hurricane Matthew can stress children, who show it in different ways.
Posted 10/14/2016, 10:09:42 PM Updated 9/23/2025, 7:51:31 PM

SOCIAL MEDIA.

>> STRESS DOESN'T JUST AFFECT

ADULTS.

CHANGES IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD

CAN HAVE A BIG IMPACT.

CHILDREN DEALING WITH

DEVASTATING FLOODING IN OUR

AREA MAY BE FEELING PRESSURE.

DR. ALLEN MASK EXPLAINS HOW TO

LOOK FOR CHANGES IN THE

BEHAVIOR OF A CHILD FOR SIGNS

OF STRESS.

>> Reporter: STRESS CAN AFFECT

ANYONE FEELING OVERWHELMED,

INCLUDING CHILDREN.

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS PARENTS

CAN LOOK OVER.

NEGATIVE CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR.

KIDS WITHDRAW FROM FAVORITE

ACTIVITIES BECOMING CLINGY TO A

PARENT OR A SUDDEN CHANGE IN

APPETITE.

THE COMING HOSTILE TOWARD FAMILY

AND ABANDONING FRIENDSHIP ARE

COMMON SIGNS AND THE TEENAGER.

NEXT, INTERACTION WITH OTHERS.

HOW THEY INTERACT WITH OTHERS

CAN INDICATE STRESS IS A

FACTOR.

EXPERTS SAY A GOOD WAY FOR

PARENTS TO CHECK ON THIS IS

COMMUNICATING WITH EACH OTHER,

TEACHERS, AND COACHES.

LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD.

KIDS MEAL EXPRESS HOW

OVERWHELMED THEY ARE WITH

CERTAIN WORDS LIKE ANGRY OR

ANNOYED OR SPEAK NEGATIVELY

ABOUT THEMSELVES.

PARENT SHOULD LOOK FOR KEYWORDS

OR PHRASES THAT MAY INDICATE A

SOURCE OF STRESS.

PARENT SHOULD KNOW THAT

TACKLING THE STRESS IS NOT

SOMETHING THEY HAVE TO DO

ALONE.

LICENSED THERAPISTS CAN PROVIDE

THE SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE THAT

CHILD NEEDS.

DR. ALLEN MASK, WRAL HEALTH