Are Kids Too Stressed? How to Help Them Manage
By Genevieve Cunningham
We live in a busy and demanding world. While it's easy to think that this only affects adults, the truth is that it affects children too. Children seem to be more stressed than ever before. Unfortunately, they seem to be more affected than than their adult counterparts. Why? Because they don't quite have the skills to manage the stress. If you know children in your life who need some help getting rid of or managing stress, take a look at these tips that can help them through the process.
Teach Them Time Management
Many adults have difficulty with time management, so it shouldn't be surprising that kids are not skilled in this area. If you want your children to be less stressed, teach them some time management skills. Teach them to do their homework when they get home from school. Teach them that chores are important before play. While it will take years for them to master the skill, the practice will help them through their school years as well as into adulthood.
Teach Them the Power of the Word "No"
Many people forget that the word "no" is a complete sentence. Sometimes it's important to just say no. While kids can't tell their teachers that they won't do their homework, or tell their parents they won't complete a chore, they should be able to say no to extra activities or other playtime. Teach a child that saying no is sometimes the best option. This will serve them well as they get older and may significantly lower their stress in their adult years.
Offer Them Stress Relievers
Kids need some form of stress relief the same as adults do. This could be the in the form of exercise, a massage for mom or dad, some gentle rest in their room, or even kids yoga. If a child is too stressed, give them an outlet for letting some of that stress go. As they get older, they may be able to modify this routine and release the stress for themselves. this will be a valuable skill through school, college, and into their career.
It seems as though kids are more stressed than ever. If you believe that your child has too much stress, use these tips to teach them how to manage it. Stress management is an important skill that all people should learn, and if you can teach your child now, they'll be well ahead of the game.
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