9 Ways to Help Your Child Overcome Stress

I was surprised when my friend’s son told her the other day that he was  stressed, making me realize that stress was no longer an adult’s domain;  children today faced stress due to various reasons like to too many commitments, clash with peers, and not living to the expectation of parents. All this calls for methods to help children overcome stress.

The 9 ways to help your child overcome stress: 

1) Don't over schedule your child: Many parents commit the mistake of over scheduling their children in the disguise of keeping their kids occupied. Most kids need some downtime to relax and rejuvenate their brains and bodies to remain focused on the important things of life. It would be best to relax reading a book or playing a family game rather than watching TV or being at the computer.  

2) Children need adequate rest: Most young children need 8-9 hours of sleep at night to feel relaxed to take up the day. This calls for elimination of over scheduling; make sure the child’s room does not have TV or any electronic gadgets that could stimulate and keep them awake all night. Encourage your children to read a book or read out to them as they fall asleep. 

3) Playtime is important for the child: Small children would enjoy playtime when parents are engaged, but parent’s participation is very necessary as a child grows up; it offers them both encouragement and enjoyment. Make sure playtime is neither a lesson nor competition, as this could stress children. 

4) Help children listen to their bodies: Some of the common signs of stress in children are constant stomachaches, repeated headaches, overeating or under eating; make children aware that stress makes the body behave in such a way and encourage them to eat energized foods that are full of vitamins to keep them alert and healthy.

5) Start the mornings in a calm way: This involves planning for the day ahead; avoid clutter at home, plan a light breakfast before everyone leaves home. This would make everyone including the children undergo less stress at home.

6) Keep your stress under control: Children sense the stress and anxiety of their parents and start getting anxious and confused; be cool and collected in front of children. This would encourage them to come out with their worries and problems; this goes a long way to building strong relationships.  

7) Listen to your child: Do not hear, but listen to your child and do not belittle him/her however outlandish or non-relatable what he/she says is; keeping an open ear and addressing their problems would instill a feeling that they have someone to talk to who will listen. They would not feel nervous or stressed. 

8) Children need to know mistakes happen: Most children are stressed up making mistakes; parents need to instill in them the thought that no one is perfect. Do not be overcritical and encourage your children to make good decisions with confidence.  

9) Be patient with your child: Do not get stressed or hurt when your child gets stressed; never try to fix every problem, but help your child to be a solid problem solver. 

All said and done the journey from childhood to adolescence is tough; our patience as parents in teaching them coping mechanisms could help our children overcome stress.  

Image Courtesy: Google