Stress
#4 in Heartrate Series
What’s inside...
Follow the lives and loves of City Hospital students Gordy, Bella, Suzie, Mark, and Karlene – young medics who share more than just a house; they are bonded together by the hard-hitting realities of hospital life – anguish and hope, trauma and passion. It’s exciting and exhilarating – but can they take the pressure? Gordy’s friend Jo is suffering from amnesia, possibly blocking out the stress of hospital life. Meanwhile, Suzie’s bag is snatched, losing the only demo tape for her new boyfriend’s band. She spots the mugger in Casualty and gives chase along the hospital corridors. Can she recover the tape and her boyfriend? The hospital is always in danger of cuts and closures, but the threat of eviction from their rented home really puts the pressure on the group. Will they stay together despite these challenges? The new recruits must always be on call to face the stresses and tensions of City Hospital.
Discussion points
How do the characters in the book deal with their feelings of stress?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any of the characters?
What are some ways you can calm yourself down when you're feeling stressed?
Why do you think it's important to talk about our stress and feelings?
What did the characters learn about handling stress by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion in a quiet, comfortable space to make it easier for your child to express their feelings.
Highlight key moments in the book where characters successfully manage stress, and relate these to real-life situations your child might face.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking follow-up questions and acknowledging their feelings.
Discuss your own strategies for dealing with stress, providing a model for open communication and healthy coping mechanisms.
Reinforce the message that feeling stressed is normal, and managing stress is a skill they can improve with practice.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding emotions
Explanation: The story explores various emotions related to stress, showing how the main character handles different stressful situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to identify and articulate their feelings, enhancing their emotional intelligence and helping them navigate their own stressful situations.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Through the narrative, children observe the protagonist creatively solving problems triggered by stressful events.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these strategies to their own challenges, fostering resilience and adaptability in school and social settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy and support
Explanation: The book illustrates how supporting characters help the protagonist, teaching the importance of seeking and offering support during tough times.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic and supportive towards their peers, promoting harmonious interactions and strengthening friendships.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: The protagonist communicates their stress to others, demonstrating effective communication as a tool to overcome difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn to express their struggles openly with trusted individuals, fostering a supportive community and reducing feelings of isolation.
Example Lesson: Self-care strategies
Explanation: The character in the book practices various self-care routines to manage stress, emphasizing the importance of self-care.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to incorporate self-care habits, such as mindfulness or leisure activities, into their daily routines, promoting mental and physical well-being.