Teens relieve stress in new ways

Erica Dakins
dakinser@uwec.edu

            There are two things that really stress-out eighth-grader Aimee Lace: tests in school and the kids she baby-sits. But only when they cry.

Stress can come in many forms for middle school students. Relationships with peers and pressure to do well in school are two of the most common stresses, according to a poll issued by KidsHealth, a division of the Nemours Foundation.

The poll revealed that in an age group of 9-13-year-olds, 36 percent were stressed about grades, school and homework. Twenty-one percent of the children said they were stressed about friends and peers.

Stressing about school and friends

Eighth-grader Kiara Peterson said that grades were one of the biggest causes of stress for her.

“I like high grades,” she said, “and sometimes they’re hard to come by.”

            She also said that when her grades drop lower than she wants them, her mood follows.  

            Seventh-grader Miriam Ratering said moving from another state caused her stress when she started a new school.

            “Three years ago I moved here,” she said. “Now I’m getting to know everybody.”

            Miriam said her first day at school she was lucky enough to find her best friend. “She accepted me for who I am,” she said.

            Miriam said most of her stress now comes from her friends and not her lack of them. She said she’s often a liaison between her friends when they fight, which can be rough. “It can be pretty nerve-wracking,” she said.

Looking to high school

            Miriam said she is nervous about starting high school. “It has a lot to do with the real world,” she said. “It’s going to be way different.”

            She said one of the biggest differences will be that she will see kids smoking, and swearing.

            Aimee, who attends Crestview Academy, 1519 Peterson Ave., sees high school as an opportunity to step out of her comfort zone, which does not scare her at all.

            According to the Private School Review, Crestview Academy has a total of 175 students, with 20 in Aimee’s grade.

            She said she sees high school giving her more opportunities, and looks forward to attending Eau Claire Memorial High School next year.

Visit the American Psychological Association Web site to read more up to date articles on emotional wellness.

Graphic By: Erica Dakins

Visit Kidshealth if you are a parent looking for practical parenting tips, a student looking for help on homework or if you are teenager just looking for some good advice.

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