ACROSS THE MILES

STRESS

Stress is the "wear and tear" our bodies experience as we adjust to our
changing environment; it has physical and emotional effects on us and can create positive or negative feelings. As a positive influence, stress can help compel us to action; it can result in a new awareness and an exciting new perspective. As a negative influence, it can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger, and depression, which in turn can lead to health problems such as headaches, upset stomach, rashes, insomnia, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Do parents go through undue stress when it comes to their children. I think that from the time they are born, actually it even starts before the birth of a child.You stress about their health, their studies and if we are doing a good job raising our children and even later on , you stress about the friends they have, the person they are going to marry and so on. I think stress and worry go hand in hand. How do we seperate the two.

Right now I am so stressed because my daughter is doing a very important examination. I know in my heart that she will give it everything she has, but I am still worried for her. I am stressed because it is a difficult exam, stressed if she will do well, stressed because I dont want her to be hurt. I dont want her to be upset if she does not do well.At the same time when I talk to her I dont want her to know that I am as stressed as she is.I want to remain calm, I tell her about episodes in my life where I have not done well.I tell her that no matter what LIfe will go on and when she is older she will look back and maybe laugh .She tells me that there are some kids who are so stressed about the exam that they are throwing up.Mom she says "Atleast I am not doing that." I know she does not want to disappoint us. I tell her its OK but I think we put so much of emphasis on education and the expectations we have on a child that they are scared of not coming through.I dont know if it is a good thing or bad.

Today she is taking the Exam.I say to her" make sure you take your glasses incase you drop your contact lens, take a light jacket because the exam room may get too cold with the AC.Its very hot outside so make sure you take some water with you. Sleep well and eat a good breakfst and dont forget to pray. She listens patiently and then says. " thank you mom for everything and for caring. I love you."

Does that make me less stressed. It does to a certain degree. Her voice is calm, she reassured me that she will be OK.I know as parents we can never ever be without stress.I only pray that when she is a parent she will be less stressed than me.