Family stresses can affect a child’s development

Family can be described as a group of people related by blood or law.

A family is instrumental in a child’s development providing them with their first social relationships and teaching them social values.

In today’s world there are many pressures that affect families. These may include financial (where there may not be enough income to meet household bills), excessive work demands, or illness of a family member.

Family pressures affect children as well the adults and over time are likely to create anxiety, irritability, and arguments. When the uncertainty in a family setting continues for a length of time it can affect a child’s development as well as their physical and mental health and wellbeing. A child under heightened levels of stress may experience an increased heartbeat, depression and anxiety or have disturbed sleep. In young children it may affect early brain development and for older children the stress may be displayed in behavioural challenges, low self-esteem and confidence or a resistance to attend school and perform.

Often children with increased ongoing stresses in their life may stop feeling their emotions, which will lead to an inability to express and release them. All emotions are valid, healthy and necessary for positive wellbeing.

If these challenges aren’t rectified and addressed they may continue into adulthood affecting their ability to thrive in later life.

To summarise. In these challenging times:

• Your child is indirectly experiencing pressure.
• Take notice of their attitudes and behaviours.
• Ask them how they are doing.
• Take time to observe them.
• Don’t get lost in the ‘busy’

2nd January 2023