There is scientific evidence that shows that children s learning ability and memory can be adversely affected by parental stress. It can even alter growth hormone levels in the child. Although it is impossible to eliminate stress from your own life, you can drastically reduce its impact on your children and protect them from its worst effects. A child s sense of security is based on a belief that its parents are in control. Even babies can sense when their parents are out of control.
Youngsters certainly pick up on their parents subtle mood changes.
Be aware of this and look for patterns when your child gets tense. Try to reduce your obvious agitation, in these situations, from the outset. When you re under stress, you automatically become less tolerant. Understand that you have less patience during times of stress and reduce your expectations of your child s behaviour accordingly. Accept that your toddler can t eat a meal in five minutes flat without making a mess, or that your teenager is going to spend anything less than half on hour on the phone to friends.