Stress (Topic Center)

Things to Read and Do With Your Child

• Help your child understand stress

  Everyone feels stressed at times. With a parent's help, kids can learn that a little stress is normal. It can even be a good thing — a "get ready" signal to help kids handle everyday challenges.

  Invite your child to tell you about a time when they felt stressed. Did they feel it in their body? Did they notice it in their mind? How did they cope? You're asking these questions to give your child a chance to share. Listen to be supportive. Let your child know you understand what it's like for them. You can say things like, "Yes, butterflies! I know that feeling."

  Here are two articles for kids ages 8-12. Read them with your child. Take some time to go through the tips together. Help your child practice them.

  What is stress, and why do kids feel it?

  What can kids do when they feel stressed?

   

• Show kids that stress can help them succeed

  Stress isn't always a bad thing. Instead of avoiding things that feel stressful, help your child see stress as a reminder to prepare to handle those things.

  Ask your child what stresses them in their everyday life. A big test or tryout? Stress can help kids focus and prepare. Making friends or trying something new? Stress may feel uncomfortable, but kids can find the courage to go ahead anyway. When they find out they can handle it, they might be surprised at how well things go. Next time, it won't be so stressful. 

  Read the pages linked below with your child. Talk about the ways stress can help in different situations. Maybe it offers a gentle push to study for that test. Or it builds the confidence that helps kids make new friends. When kids see they can cope with stress, they feel more capable.

  How to stress less over tests

  How to handle peer pressure

• Encourage kids to talk about feelings

  From friendships to family bonds, strong relationships help kids become more resilient to life's ups and downs. Talking about feelings is a good way for kids to connect with others and know they're not alone with a problem or worry. Being able to identify feelings also helps kids build emotional strength and good social skills. 

  This article for kids ages 8-12 has ideas on how to name and explore feelings. It's a great thing for you and your child to do together. How many feelings can you name?

• Support kids as they build strong habits

  Good food, a good workout, and good sleep every day helps kids feel alert, rested, strong, and full of energy. Those things add up to a happier mood — and help kids cope better with stress. 

  Being mindful is a skill that kids can build to help them slow down, take their time, and focus in a calm way. It's the opposite of feeling stressed, rushed, and distracted. 

  To build healthy habits, kids need a parent's help and support. Good habits take practice. The links below are written at your child's level. Go over the ideas together. Let your child take the lead to choose one healthy habit to start. Ask what you can do to help them succeed. Even better, work on a skill together. Be sure to set a good example. Make time each day to practice. Notice and talk together about what new habits you like best so far.

  Eat good food, get good sleep, and play together!

  Be mindful to stress less

  Yoga to stress less