Although many adults once assumed that childhood is carefree, children in fact experience a fair amount of stress. From feeling hurt about not being invited to a birthday party, to juggling numerous homework assignments, to disappointment about being cut from the school play children need to learn to deal with life's ups and downs. How can we teach our children to manage stress? Here are a few, basic tips:
Teach mindfulness.
- Encourage your children to stop, at the beginning of the day, to take a moment to slow down and look at the rustling of the leaves in the wind or listen to the birds sing. Slowing down for a brief moment can help ground children before the business of the day begins/
Increase positive emotions.
-Engage in positive, playful activities every day, even if only for a few minutes. We can generally spare a few minutes for a quick card game or real or imagined tea time. Ten to twenty minutes per day of one on one time helps children feel connected.
Build in exercise every day.
-Exercise is a great stress releaser for parents and children.
Try relaxation exercises.
-Try taking five to ten deep breaths in the morning, after school/work, and before homework time. The more you practice with your child when they are calm the easier it will be to use this technique successfully when your children feels stressed.
-Consider using imagery. Model imagining yourself in a relaxing place. Comment on a special place that you can go to in your mind and all the sights, sounds, and smells that surround you. Encourage your child to think of their own special place. They can try picturing this place in their mind before bed which may help them sleep.
Teach mindfulness.
- Encourage your children to stop, at the beginning of the day, to take a moment to slow down and look at the rustling of the leaves in the wind or listen to the birds sing. Slowing down for a brief moment can help ground children before the business of the day begins/
Increase positive emotions.
-Engage in positive, playful activities every day, even if only for a few minutes. We can generally spare a few minutes for a quick card game or real or imagined tea time. Ten to twenty minutes per day of one on one time helps children feel connected.
Build in exercise every day.
-Exercise is a great stress releaser for parents and children.
Try relaxation exercises.
-Try taking five to ten deep breaths in the morning, after school/work, and before homework time. The more you practice with your child when they are calm the easier it will be to use this technique successfully when your children feels stressed.
-Consider using imagery. Model imagining yourself in a relaxing place. Comment on a special place that you can go to in your mind and all the sights, sounds, and smells that surround you. Encourage your child to think of their own special place. They can try picturing this place in their mind before bed which may help them sleep.