10 Ways on How to Help Your Child Cope Up With Stress!

One
Recognize that children handle stress in different ways. Some show a regression in behavior – acting younger, more fearful, clingier. Outbursts of anger and aggression are also signals at all ages. A child or teen who withdraws or who seems constantly sad or has trouble sleeping or shows significant changes in appetite may also be showing signs of stress.

Two
Encourage conversation. Look for opportunities to ask about feelings and opinions. Some of the best conversations happen in a car with the radio, CD player and cell phone off.


Three
Think about your own reactions – are you feeling very stressed and is that being communicated to children? Find ways to relax yourself so that you can stay calm for them.


Four
Look for creative ways to deal with stress. For younger children, puppets may help them act out their feelings. Teens could be encouraged to write their thoughts in a journal or diary. Reading books together not only provides valuable family time, but also gives everyone a deeper understanding of world events. Realizing how a character (real or fictional) coped with a disaster, war or difficulty can give lessons that can be emulated.

Five
Plan for some exercise or sports activities that can be done together to release tension. From walking to swimming, biking or skating, getting everyone to move more makes a big difference in mental outlook as well.

Six 
Volunteer together or take a stand together. Look for opportunities in the community in which you can make a difference. Being able to contribute also helps your family or group to bond and understand what your family’s and/or group’s values are.


Seven
Try to acknowledge how a child may feel. Taking a child’s or teen’s concerns seriously, rather than minimizing them, builds a foundation for more open communication.


Eight
Answer questions honestly, and share what is age appropriate.

Nine
Don’t make a promise that you can’t keep. You can’t tell your child that a natural disaster or terrorist attack will never affect your family or group. You can say that the chances are very small and that you will do whatever you can to keep everyone safe.


Ten

Keep tabs on what children are viewing and hearing – at home and at school. Know when to pull the plug on TV, and radio.