How to Help Your Children Deal With Stress

When you think of stress, you most likely think of work, bills, and modern-world fears that most of us deal with as adults.  What you might not realize is that stress is also incredibly common in children – hence the prevalence of the mental health therapist who makes a living in school and universities.  Easing your own stress and showing a sense of calm can certainly help your children, but they also need ways to deal with stress of their own. 

One thing that you need to do is to learn to recognize when your child is stressed.  For some children, stress manifests itself as anger or aggression, while for others it may mean becoming clingy, sad, fearful, or even not sleeping well.  Recognizing these signs is imperative.

If your children are feeling stressed, encourage them to talk with you about their feelings.  Ask what they are feeling and thinking, and eliminate distractions so that you can really listen.  Whether your child is stressed with school or friends, talking about their feelings is important.

Activity is one of the best stress busters for children.  If your little ones are feeling pressured or stressed out, consider playing some sports or even going for a bike ride.   Help them to expel excess energy and to get moving.  When we are active, our bodies produce natural stress busting hormones.

Encourage conversation and creativity in your children.  Allowing them to keep a diary, to draw pictures or make clay models of their stressors, or to even act out what is bothering them through song and dance can help them release stress and process their feelings.  Taking up a new expressive hobby such as dance classes or pottery can help your child vent their feelings and redirect them into making something creative. 

 

By taking time to help your children deal with stress, you can ensure that they are healthier and happier.

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