How stressed is your kid?

Want to know if your child is under too much pressure, whether from school, the crush of homework and extracurricular activities, or the burden of parental expectations? Then take this test designed in conjunction with TIME by Catherine McBride-Chang, a professor of developmental psychology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Give yourself one point for every (a) answer, two for a (b) answer, three for a (c). Then check below to see what your responses indicate.

1. Does your child have some time to relax every day? (a. Often b. Sometimes c. No)
2. Do you frequently find yourself in conflict with your child over schoolwork? (1. No b. Sometimes c. Often)
3. Is your love for your child influenced by his/her school performance? (a. No b. Somewhat c. Yes)
4. Do you express dissatisfaction with your child's grades, even when you know he/she tried his/her best? (a. No b. Sometimes c. Often)
5. Do you view schooling primarily as a means to an end rather than an opportunity to learn? (a. No b. Somewhat c. Yes)
6. Do you allow your child to pursue his/her own interests after school, even if they do not match your own? (a. Often b. Sometimes c. No)
7. Does your child feel more than usual anxiety at the prospect of failure at school? (a. No b. Sometimes c. Often)
8. Has your child lost interest in cimmunicating with you, or become more shy than usual? (a. No b. Somewhat c. Yes)
9. Does your child exhibit signs of illness (headaches, insomnia, irritability, stomach pains, etc) without any clear biological cause? (a. No b. Sometimes c. Often)
10. Do you make efforts to monitor your child's psychological well-being as well as his/her school performance? (a. Yes b. Sometimes c. No)


Scoring

23-30 Ease up. Reflect on the activities and habits causing your child stress, including demands you make. Adding some downtime and reducing pressures at home (especially around exam periods)should help your child feel more in control.

16-22 Stay aware. Though your child is not exhibiting extreme signs of stress, maintain an open dialogue, keep a close eye out for developing problems and make sure he/she knows you're there to help. Encourage activities that your child enjoys and that bolster his/her confidence - not just those you choose.

10-15 Your child's stress levels don't seem problematic. Keep communicating and brainstorm solutions together when difficulties arise. As always, be aware of your child's viewpoint and don't assume that mon and dad always know best.