Anxiety Caused by Parental Stress

Providing a calm, safe and loving home is extremely important for a child̵7;s development. Stress is not only harmful to your health, but your stress also affects your children. Kids can see or feel their parents̵7; stress, which causes stress in their lives. Parental stress can cause anxiety in children that can lead to damages that last a lifetime.

  1. Brain Function and DNA

    • Children's stress caused by problems at home can affect a child̵7;s development. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prolonged exposure to stress hormones can affect a child̵7;s brain function and development. Toxic stress can impair brain circuit connection and can affect areas of the brain responsible for learning and memory. According to Marilyn Essex, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin's School of Medicine and Public Health, prolonged stress can change a child̵7;s DNA, which becomes apparent with behavioral issues later in life.

    Health

    • Toxic stress can lead to serious health issues in children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that this anxiety can affect the body̵7;s immune system function, which can lead to chronic conditions. According to Forbes.com, a parent̵7;s level of stress can have a profound effect on a child̵7;s health. In a Forbes.com article, David Code, author of "Kids Pick Up On Everything: How Parental Stress Is Toxic To Kids," suggests the stress children experience that is caused by parental stress can even increase a child̵7;s risk of mood disorders, ADHD and autism -- especially when mothers are stressed while pregnant.

    Depression

    • Stress at home can lead to depression in children, according to Boston Children's Hospital. Signs and symptoms of depression can include decreased energy, loss of interest in hobbies, becoming withdrawn, irritability, problems in school, oversleeping or insomnia. If your child̵7;s behavior has changed and the symptoms of depression have been apparent for more than two weeks, he may have childhood depression. If you suspect your child is depressed, seek professional help.

    Coping with Stress

    • Children learn by imitation. In a WebMd.com article, Andrew Garner, MD, suggests that if you are dealing with your stress in a negative way, such as yelling or becoming isolated, your children might pick up on this behavior. Prolonged exposure to stress can affect a child̵7;s stress threshold, which might cause them to become overly reactive to challenging situations. Teach your children how to deal with stress by example. Take a deep breath and count to 10, practice meditation or use exercise as a way to cope.

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