Calming a Stressed Child or Teen: Exams, Bullying, Screen Fights (Video)

Transcript

Stomach aches before exams? Find out why.

Stomach aches before exams? Find out why.

Calming Stressed Kids

Here's the short, honest answer, and one tip most people miss.

Spot stress early

Kids show stress in different ways at each age. In the preschool years you might see stomach aches, clinginess at the school gate, or even bedwetting. School-age children can become rude or moody, while teens often retreat behind a closed door, silent and withdrawn.

Study blocks

Break study time into 25-minute focus bursts, then a short five-minute break. Four cycles, then a longer twenty-minute pause with a snack and a walk. This rhythm keeps the brain fresh and memory sharp.

Calm exam nerves

Protect sleep first, aim for eight to ten hours for younger kids and eight to nine for teens. Feed the brain every few hours; a solid breakfast on exam day is non-negotiable. And remember the calming sentence: 'Do your best, and whatever the result, we'll sort it out together.'

Screen timeout

Give a ten-minute warning before screens end. It eases the abrupt stop and gives the child time to finish the level or save the game, reducing frustration and preventing a nightly battle over devices.

Ask about bullying

Talk about bullying sideways. Ask who they sit with at lunch, who’s the funniest or the meanest, and if anyone online makes them feel bad. Do this on a walk or in the car, not face-to-face at the table.

Daily check-in

Pick a fixed slot each day, bedtime for the little ones or a car ride for teens, and give it ten minutes with no phone. Ask, 'best thing today, worst thing today,' and share your own. Consistency brings early sharing.

The one calming sentence

When stress spikes, try this one sentence: 'Do your best, and whatever the result, we'll sort it out together.' It tells your child you’re on their side, removes fear of failure, and opens space for honest talk.

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Read the full guide

Read the complete guide on thecareonline.com. This is general information, not medical advice.