Michaelene Mundy - Getting Out of a Stress Mess!: A Guide for Kids

Getting Out of a Stress Mess!

A Guide for Kids

Written by Michaelene Mundy
Illustrated by R. W. Alley

For Emily, Patrick, and Michael,
who have shared many stress-free,
relaxing times with their Mom and Dad.
Thanks!

All rights reserved, including without limitation the right to reproduce this ebook or any portion thereof in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright 2000 Michaelene Mundy

Illustrations 2000 St. Meinrad Archabbey

ISBN: 978-1-4976-8128-6

Abbey Press Publications

1 Hill Drive

St. Meinrad, Indiana 47577

www.abbeypress.com

Distributed by Open Road Distribution

345 Hudson Street

New York, NY 10014

www.openroadmedia.com

Adults often feel that kids have it made. Compared to our complex and hectic lives, our childrens lives seem care-free. But, in fact, children today dont have it as easy as we thinkor as easy as we wish they had it.

Some of the stress children experience is a natural part of growing up. Every day they confront many new experiences and are expected to master new tasks and knowledge. Because so much that a child encounters is either a brand-new or rare occurrence, however, the child does not have experience to fall back on, as adults do.

Part of the stress that kids contend with today is cultural. In our society, we sometimes put pressure on children as we try to expose them to all the things we think they need. We dont want them to miss out on any sport or pastime or pursuit. We believe they need to excel in order to feel good about themselves. Yet the truth is that a child doesnt have to be on the all-star team, or win the spelling bee, or have the main part in the play, or have the neatest room in the neighborhood to be well-adjusted, healthy, and successful.

One way to take the pressure off kids is to encourage them to look at the positives in their livestheir good efforts and their successes, no matter how small. Adults can also help children to dream about being better at whatever they dowithout feeling that the world will end if they dont succeed in the most perfect way.

Children do not always have the words or the understanding to say, Im feeling stressed. But the signs of stress will inevitably show up in their behavior. May this book help you to recognize a child whos feeling pressured, and guide him or her toward healthy, productive ways of turning a stress mess into less stress.

Michaelene Mundy

What Is Stress?

S tress is a feeling of being under pressure sort of like a pot of water boiling on the stove. The pot actually shakes, and you can hear the lid rattle. Both adults and kids can get this kind of pressured feeling.

S tress usually happens when theres too much of something going onlike too many things changing at onceor too much noisetoo much fightingor too much homework.

S tress can also happen when theres too little of somethingtoo little time to practice or to get to a gamenot enough rest or quietor people thinking youre too little to be able to do things.

What Does Stress Feel Like?

S tress can feel like worry. You may be afraid that you will disappoint your mom, dad, or coach unless you win the race or hit a home run. You might want to win a game or a contest so much that you feel very nervous.

S tress can also feel like sadness. You may be sad that something in your life is changing, but you cant do anything about it. Your stomach might hurt and you might even feel shaky.

D ifferent kids act in different ways when they are under stress. You may feel tired and slowed down, or nervous and restless. You might get in more fights with your brother or sister, or have trouble at school. Or you might feel like just being alone.

What Gives YOU Stress?

D o you feel stressed when people are watching you perform at school or at a sports event? Do you feel nervous because you want to do really well so your parents will be proud of you?

K ids can get stressed at times that might surprise youhappy times like Christmas, or on vacation, or during a weekend at Grandmas. Stress can happen at times like these because you get extra excited and because your daily routine is changed.

Feeling Stressed Without Knowing Why

I f you could wish for anything in the world, what would it be? Your wish can give you a clue about what is making you feel stressed.

M aybe you wish that you never have to go to school again. Is that because there is something about school thats really hard for you? Your parents and teacher can help you figure out whats bothering you and how to make it easier for you.

Some Stress Is Normal

Y ou cannot wave a magic wand and make stress go away forever, but you can learn how to handle it.