Stress Related to Home Issues

Stress can also originate from family issues. Divorce constitutes one of the greatest stressors in a child’s life. Given the very high American divorce rate , this is an issue for many children. There are other adjustment issues that affect stress in children, including family discord, sibling issues, job loss, domestic violence, etc.

Some things parents and teachers can do:

• Encourage the children to join a “Banana Splits” or other program (if available) for students who are no longer living with both biological parents. Seeing other students coping with the same issues could help. Find out if such a program is offered at school, or in the community through the Y or other agency.
• When parents are not living together, it is still important that both parents keep an active interest in the child’s school progress. At times, one parent may cast blame on the other or bring their discord into a conference at school. It is important that both parents maintain the focus on the child.
• Seek help from the mental health professionals at school if your child experiences symptoms of stress that interfere with school work or relationships with others. These professionals can help find support in the community to address stressors due to family concerns.
• For older students, encourage writing or journaling about their feelings regarding stressful situations.
• Parents and teachers should be careful to avoid communicating any negative or competitive views about one parent or the other to their children. Such statements only increase the conflict the student is experiencing.

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