Though a child's life may appear simple, children face their own stress-inducing challenges. These can be relationships at home or among friends, the pressures of school and sports, homework and day-to-day obligations. Additionally, children often assimilate their parents' stress. Teaching your child effective ways to cope with stress early in life will establish a healthy foundation for the rest of her life.
Discussion
The Nemours Foundation recommends that parents talk about difficult situations with their children as a highly effective way for youngsters to relieve stress. Often children have irrational fears or misunderstandings that can be resolved by adult clarification and comfort. Be sure your children know they are safe with you and can share their thoughts and feelings.
Drawing
Drawing pictures can help relieve stress, especially for younger children. Children may be unable to verbalize their feelings or may not wish to discuss them, and expressing themselves through pictures is an effective way to help them relax and subconsciously resolve their concerns.
Exercise
Physical activity is fantastic at relieving stress. According to the Nemours Foundation, stress stimulates the nervous system and causes the body to release hormones into the bloodstream. While this response is useful for short-term challenges, the effects of a long-term activation of the stress response are unhealthy. Exercise helps your child's body utilize and reduce this stress response, and is a highly effective means of coping with stressful feelings.
Sleep
Adequate sleep is fundamental to your child's ability to cope with stress. Set limits on evening activities, and make bedtimes a priority. Midday naps are appropriate for young children. During times of extra stress, remember that your child may need additional sleep. The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends an average of 11 to 12 hours of sleep per night for your child.
Play
Although the hustle and bustle of school and extracurricular activities can crowd out play time, remember that this is an integral part of your child's life and essential to relieving stress in her life. Encourage healthy play habits that include physical movement, and limit or eliminate the time your child spends on sedentary and non-creative activities such as video games.
Breathing
Young children can learn the benefits of breathing for relaxation. Show your child how to recognize when he is feeling stressed or angry, and practice deep breathing with him by sitting down and taking five slow, deep breaths.
