Feeling stressed or pressurised is part and parcel
of life. Stress or pressure can help us avoid
dangerous situations. It makes us alert, and gives
us the motivation to deal with problems that come
our way. However, if the stress or pressure
becomes too much to bear, it can interfere with
our everyday lives. Such disruptions can have a
devastating impact on our physical and emotional
health.
Pressures children face in school
One type of pressure is the pressure to perform.
Even before starting formal education, some
children are already enrolled in pre-school. There
they are taught subjects such as languages,
arithmetic, science and technology. It is a good
thing for them to start learning early in life.
However, it is another matter if the main focus is
on getting results, or getting ahead of others.
Another kind of pressure is the pressure to
reform. We should be constantly seeking to
improve. Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools,
the Gifted Programme, independent schools, Primary
4 Streaming and the Integrated Programme are some
of the educational schemes that we are aware of.
All these programmes are good, but they can be too
daunting for some.
The pressure to conform can be another kind of
pressure at school. It is not about wearing the
same uniform, which is essential for
nation-building. It is about succumbing to
pressure from peers, and about picking up habits
like smoking or engaging in illegal and immoral
activities.
Signs of stress in children
Your child is under stress if he or she
consistently:
withdraws from activities he or she
previously enjoyed
suffers from insomnia or chronic headaches
has a sudden change in behaviour or displays
mood swings
suffers from bouts of low self-esteem and
depression
is not trusting and has feelings of not
being wanted or loved
refuses to go to school
indulges in drugs, smoking and drinking
Ways parents can help
Here are some useful tips for parents:
Be sensitive to their feelings and tell them
that you recognise they have a problem.
Let them express their feelings.
Encourage and praise them when they do well.
Encourage them to share their troubles or
worries with you or
their friends.
Create a loving environment and show signs
of affection.
Have realistic expectations of your child.
Get them to try out a new hobby or sport to
de-stress.
Get them to talk to their counsellors in school if
they have difficulty confiding in you. They are
there to help students deal with their worries.
Encourage your children not to keep their worries
or pressures to themselves
- Courtesy of Singapore Health Promotion Board