The American Psychological Association’s Stress in America 2010 Report states parents are underestimating their teenager’s awareness of their stress and the impact it could be having on their teenager’s emotional well being.

One third of children ages 8 to 17 years believe their parent has been always or often worried or stressed out about things during the past month

How teenagers ages 13 to 17 years old feel when their parent is stressed:

  • 33% feel sad
  • 43% feel worried
  • 38% feel frustrated
  • 31% feel annoyed
  • 27% feel helpless
  • 16% feel angry
  • 11% feel scared
  • 7% feel alone
  • 13% said it doesn’t bother them

 

Pre-teens and teens are choosing more sedentary behavior to cope when they are stressed or really worried.

Examples of sedentary behavior include:

  • Listening to music
  • Playing video games
  • Watching TV

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are seeing increasing rates of obesity and indicate there could be serious health problems for young Americans. The CDC further reported that 18.1% of teens ages 12 to 19 are obese.

Physical symptoms of stress:

 

Ways to manage stress:

  • Listen to music
  • Exercise or walk
  • Spend time with family or friends
  • Read
  • Watch TV or movies for more than 2 hours per day
  • Pray, meditation or yoga
  • Play video games or surf the internet
  • Take a nap
  • Spend time doing a hobby
  • Eat
  • Drink alcohol
  • Get a massage
  • Play sports
  • Get counseling/therapy

 

Let’s be aware that as parents our stress does affect our teenagers. Be a good role model by demonstrating positive ways to manage stress in your life. Talk to your teen about stress and anxiety.

Seek out help if needed.

Reference
http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/national-report.pdf