How to relieve kids’ stress?
As a parent, you are probably more than familiar with the stress and all its negative effects. However, stress is not something that only affects adults; children experience it too and the truth is that it can affect them even more acutely. Since they are not as experienced, they might not know how to deal with the tension. This is why you need to watch out for any signs of stress and help your children cope with it, as well as teach them how to handle stress on their own. Here are a few useful tips.
Causes and signs
The causes of childhood stress can be many. Little ones may be affected by changes in their environment such as an addition to the family, starting daycare, changing their school or teacher, or anything else that affects their routine. Needless to say, major events like parents’ divorce, moving to a new place, or losing a pet, among others, are also very likely to cause stress to children, and while it may not be possible to eliminate these stressors, it’s important to be aware of them. So, watch out for any signs of stress. Is your child having trouble sleeping? Are they often complaining about headaches and stomachaches? A loss of interest in their favorite activities and changes in their behavior are also signs of stress in children.
What to do
If the aforementioned signs sound familiar to you, you should learn about strategies that help relieve children’s stress. Here are a few that you can start doing immediately.
Talk to them openly
Since changes can affect your child more than you might think, it’s important to always explain to them what they can expect. Talk to them openly about job changes, moving, and any other life events while staying calm and reassuring. Let them know that they can share their feelings with you – and when they do, listen without judgment. Stay respectful and take them seriously, even if their concerns seem childish to you.
Don’t shift the blame
When talking to your child, make sure you choose your words carefully. You might unintentionally make your child feel ashamed if you phrase your questions in the wrong way. For instance, asking questions with “why” when discussing their feelings may shift the blame to the child, so pay attention to your words.
Ensure they are getting physical activity
You might already know that physical activity is one of the best ways to relieve stress. The same is true in the case of kids. So, make sure your child is getting the physical activity they need. It will help with their sleep as well. However, be sure that you don’t overburden your child with too many commitments. Too many extracurricular activities on top of sports training and other commitments may cause them even more stress.
Stick to a routine
Routines are an important part of our lives as they give us structure. They are even more important for children. Knowing what they can expect and when takes away some of their stress. So, make sure your family has solid routines. Your child should always know who is picking them up from school. At home, a fulfilling evening routine with a family dinner, a bit of tidying up and some relaxation will benefit not only your child but the whole family.
Create a comforting environment
For kids, their room is more than just a place to sleep. It’s also their own sanctuary where they can hide away from the world when they need it. Creating a relaxing environment where they will be able to relieve stress is of the utmost importance. Make sure the room has a designated corner for schoolwork so that they can focus when studying. Go for a neutral color palette that will create a relaxing environment instead of being too stimulating. In addition, you can amp up the coziness. Add lots of soft textures, stuffed animals they can cuddle, pillows, a comfy bean bag ottoman, and a blanket that has some weight to it. This way, your kid will always have a comforting space to relax in. And finally, small details are not negligible. For instance, hanging photos of family members induces relief and a feeling of support and you can have the opportunity to hang some nice family photos on a wall in an organized way by canvasdiscount.
Spend more time together
Finally, another important medicine to stress is spending time with loved ones. So, make sure you spend enough time together playing and relaxing as a family. Organize game nights, movie nights, or hikes in nature – they are all great ways to prevent stress. This will also remind your child that they are not alone with their worries and give them comfort.
Stress affects children as much as it affects us. Listen to your child and make sure they know they can rely on you even when they are stressed and anxious.
Author BIO
My name is Grace Wilson. I’m a 27-year-old biotechnologist and kind of a bookish girl. Surfing the Internet is my favorite, that’s why I’ve turned into blogging. Following a healthy mindset and lifestyle is what I consider my life principle. If interested, follow my Twitter.