Dealing with the everyday stress of life can be an incredible challenge for anyone. But for children the challenge is even more difficult.

For that reason, Pfizer Canada and the Psychology Foundation of Canada have teamed up to create Stress Lessons, a guide to help parents and teachers introduce helpful stress management strategies to students in Grades 4 to 6.

Dr. Robin Alter, a child psychologist and consultant on the project, said children face a host of stressors. But the biggest problem is that, unlike adults, who have constant exposure to stress, they still haven't developed coping mechanisms.

"All of us would like to think childhood is so stress-free, " Alter said. "But kids are stressed out by the same things as adults. The difference is kids don't know how to deal with it."

Situations in a child's life might seem simple and mundane, said Alter, but for them they create a lot of stress and frustration. Children can get stressed out about homework assignments, the amount of homework they have and school in general. Some children become anxious about fitting in, and others are dealing with being constantly bullied.

Stress at home bothers them, as well. Children often face concerns and fears when dealing with parents who are separated or divorced. They even worry about the financial struggles they hear their parents complain about.

"Think about the last time you were asked to learn something new," she said. "For kids, they are being asked to do something new almost every-day. Kids don't have a choice. As adults, we can say we don't want to do it."

But, it's not always easy to recognize when a child is stressed out. Short-term behavioural changes such as mood swings, acting out and changes in sleep patterns can be indications. Some children experience physical effects such as stomach problems and headaches. Others have trouble concentrating or completing homework.

"You can usually see some signs," Alter said. "Kids will often be different. They may be cranky, more irritable. Their body is tired from being in high gear while it is dealing with stress."

Some simple stress relievers include thinking more optimistically, talking to a trusted adult, taking a breather or doing something active, such as running or playing basketball.

Stress Lessons contains several ideas parents and teachers will find useful.

One is the worry box, where children are encouraged to write down their worries and fears and place them in a box. The box is a great conversation starter, allowing you to know what your child is concerned about so you can provide them with support.

"I think the whole idea of this guide is that to learn how to manage stress is important," Alter said. "The more we can manage, the richer our lives will be. We can't shy away from stress. You don't just want to hide your head in the sand. You want to live life."

Stress Lessons can be downloaded, at no cost, at morethanmedication.ca and through a link at psychologyfoundation.org.

ksteele@windsorstar.com or 519-255-5563