Stress and Kids

[JeSsIkA]

Just wondering if anyone has experienced this...

whenever i am extremly stressed as i have been the past couple of weeks, with trying to finish uni and money matters.. it is my 2year old daughter who becomes sick.

this has happened a couple of times and i am curious to know if it happens to others.

[poshBecks]

I havn't heard of that before? Maybe she feels anxious when your stressed? I'll keep that in mind for when i get stressed! Sorry i have no tips though :o
Becky

[Artemis]

My daughter is 3.. and I am also at uni. I think that she is a *human barometer* of stress... she does become very unsettled when we are having a tough time and at times has gotten ill- and naturally we have taken steps to alleviate as much stress with her as possible. We make sure that her night time routine isn't effected and that we engage in lots of play and reading.

I think that it is entirely likely that your little one would pick up on any stress you are feeling and perhaps this may cause her to get sick.. I know that stress effects adults the same way... so maybe your thinking is right.

Money hassles and juggling uni is really stressful for all of you - make sure that you are nurturing yourself as well - a happy mamma can only be a postive thing for your little one.

Hugs to you while you all push through this rough spot.

[j&k'smum]

It was only today when I was looking at my little two year old and thinking "What is wrong with you??". I'd noticed the last few days she was very cranky . But then in a flash, I realised that I havn't been the best to be around either this last week. The thought did come to mind that "if mums happy baby's happy", and if the atmosphere is tense, then they can definately feel that.
She doesn't get sick though, in answer to your initial quiery. :)

[Moorish]

Kids are so amazingly in tune with their parents and can pick up stress and tension from when they're babies, especially tension between the parents, which is often why babies who are screaming have a hard time settling because mum is stressed so baby is stressed (catch 22, I know). It wouldn't surprise me if your daughter is picking up on your stress & worry and is reacting to it.

My suggestions would be to pick yourself up & try to release your stress away from your daughter. Eg. take a power walk, crank up the music and have a good old sing to your favourites, take a long shower and run the hot water out or go scream into a pillow (few of my favourites!) If you can return to her after getting rid as much stress as possible and spend some quality time with her maybe she'll pick up that mummy is happy now & her little body will relax more too.

If nothing else, the stress relief will be good for you!

[JeSsIkA]

Thanks for your responses..
i thought that i always kept my stress from my daugter (or i tried to anyway) but i guess kids just know.

things should be better so.. as i have nearly completed all my assignments, just have 5 weeks of hospital placement left.

thanks for the suggestions of how to relieve stress.. i think i really need it especially seens i am 22wks preg with number 2.

ta again