Remember the Boogie Man? --That menacing
phantom lurking in closets and under beds, robbing countless children of much
needed sleep. As the school year winds
down, standardized tests, end-of-year projects, and increased academic and
social demands all give birth to the insidious "Stress Monster" who
terrorizes both day and night. Our
children are far busier than we were growing up. In every area of their lives,
the expectations are consistently high. The emotional and physical demands are
only compounded by the difficulties children encounter maintaining friendships
and navigating a changing social scene. Like us, our children have their own
life journeys, filled with triumphs and challenges. Stress will undoubtedly be
a recurring part of it. Knowing how to tame that nasty Stress Monster will
serve them well throughout their lives.
Tips for helping children manage stress:
• Maintain
a healthy lifestyle. Children need nutrient rich diets, 9-12 hours of sleep,
and regular exercise to fuel their young bodies for the challenges of each
school day. Many studies have shown that lack of sleep and poor nutrition can
directly affect academic performance, mood and stress level. Regular exercise
provides an outlet for negative emotions. Some studies suggest that it even
causes stress fighting physiological changes in the body.
• Improve
organization. If the source of your child’s stress is homework, consider
her organizational tools. Disorganization fuels stress. Are homework
assignments logged in an agenda regularly? Are papers maintained in an
organized binder or accordion file? Does she follow a daily routine? Consult
your child's teacher for strategies if homework seems overwhelming or
difficult.
• Choose
extra-curricular activities wisely. Be certain that your child has regular
"down time" in his schedule. Children are happier, more relaxed and
less stressed when activities are limited.
• Teach
relaxation techniques. Prayer, yoga, meditation and breathing exercises are
all effective stress reducing techniques. Find the activities that work best
for your child and encourage regular practice.
• Take
care of yourself! The very best way to help your child manage stress is to
role model healthy strategies in your own life.
Learning to manage stress is an important
skill for the entire family!
~Sheila Adams Gardner, Esq.
Copyright©2015 Gardener Parenting Consultants, LLC.