Managing stress can be one of the biggest challenges experienced by adults, but
could you ever imagine that children can experience extreme levels of stress as well? Children, like adults also experience
stress, though they do not have the means or skills to understand and manage that stress. Studies confirm that children
also experience high levels of stress and may develop symptoms similar to adults.Parents often misunderstand the term when
it comes to their children and easily overlook the early stages of stress development as signs of growth. Research indicates
that mental illness can be exacerbated by several psychological and environmental factors which trigger high levels of
stress. According to the Offord Centre for Child Studies, research shows that 50% of adults diagnosed with mental illness
reveal its start before the age of 14. It is imperative for parents, caregivers as well as teachers to recognize stress
in early stages and support the child affected.
POSTIVE & NEGATIVE EVENTS -
Both negative and positive events can be the source of stress in a child. Family events are often
categorized as negative stressors, such as single parenthood, chronic family conflict, loss of a job, or the death of a family
member. Positive events such as planning their own birthday party or slumber party to caring for a new pet can result in stress.
Sudden changes in behaviour should not go unnoticed. Withdrawal and nervousness or anger and attention seeking are common
signs of stress, while some children are resilient and do not show any direct signs. Stress developed early in a child can
result in long term repercussions such as health problems, self-harm, alcohol and substance use, legal infractions and other
internal illnesses.
BRAIN
GYM & YOGA TECHNIQUES -
Childventures
Early Learning Academy (Childventures), a network of leading childcare centres for preschool and daycare, incorporates a number
of brain gym and yoga techniques into their curriculum to educate as well as show children appropriate ways of managing stress
and anxieties. Childventures exercises the brain by incorporating entire body movements, exercises and processes. Practicing
these specific sets of movements prior to a learning activity, not only enhance living but they also improve stability and
mobility. These simple practices and techniques can reduce levels of stress and benefit children in multiple ways including
academic success, psychological adjustment, and lower rates of substance abuse and self-harm.
About CHILDVENTURES EARLY LEARNING ACADEMY - ChildVentures was founded
when Dr. Heidary was unable to find the high level of care he was seeking for his own young child. As a doctor he had read
the research showing the importance of the formative early years and he was looking for something better than he found. As
busy professionals with full-time careers, he and his wife were seeking a loving place with caring people, qualified educators
and caregivers, great programs and curriculums designed to influence neurological development at specific ages, a sequential
program of learning at each stage with measurement systems to track progress, a secure, safe, modern environment, beautiful
classes and play areas, a fun, child-focused atmosphere that embodies play techniques, a strong nutritional component, teacher-to-child
ratios congruent with learning and caring, parental involvement for continued success of the child, modern learning, monitoring
and security technology. These are the elements found at ChildVentures in Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Burlington and Ancaster.
