5 Natural Stress Relief Techniques for Children

Is your child stressed out? Some people think only adults experience stress, but it affects our children too. Here's how to help your child manage their emotions.nnWe often view our kids as happy-go-lucky beings without a care. But children can also experience stress. Not only do they get anxious about things in their own young world-- school, friends, peer pressure--but they also can be deeply affected by outside factors such as war, natural disasters and other unsettling world events. nnIn fact, the list of contributors to childhood stress can be quite long. Many stressors are the result of family problems, like divorce, a death or a parent's job loss but tnhere are also less obvious triggers such as moving to a new city or the birth of a new sibling.nnAs a parent, you can become attuned to what's a normal amount of anxiety for your child and what is not. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, use the following ntools to help your child handle it better.nnTuning into Anxiety Attack symptomsnn1. Tune in to their moods.nnPay attention to your child's behavior. Take the time to talk to your child to get to the root of the problem. nnAsk questions like: nn"How are you feeling?" n"What's happening at school?" n"How are things with your friends?" nnWhen you show concern for their problems and issues, it's reassuring to them and they'll be more responsive to that attention.nn2. Watch the same shows they do.nnIf you have younger children, you certainly don't want them watching the doom and gloom of daily news shows. Children's minds are like sponges in they absorb almostneverything they see or hear. nnThey are especially sensitive to negative energy, pain or suffering. Shows like the news can be traumatizing and anxiety-producing for younger children.nnIt's important to discuss with them what they've seen. You can't tell them that it's never going to happen to them but you can say, "We're going to do everything we ncan to protect you". It's also a good idea to let them know whom to call and what to do in case of an emergency.nn3. Focus on the positive.nnThere is obviously no way a child can be shielded from a major trauma such as a death in the family, a house fire or a natural disaster. Instead, help children count theirnBlessings! nnComfort and reassure them by saying, "We're strong and we're going to make it." And as difficult as it may be, try to maintain everyday routines. nnFor many young victims of floods or fire, for example, going back to school, even in another city, can help bring some normalcy back to their disrupted lives. nnWhat can also help is to make sure children have positive outlets like physical activity, going to the movies or spending time with friends.nn4. Lead by example.nnChildren often learn to deal with stress by mimicking how you respond in challenging times. Even if you don't tell your child that you're about to be laid off from your job nor that you're worried that your marriage is on the verge of breaking up, they can still pick up on your stress. nnThey may not understand the underlying causes but they can hear the strained tone and elevated volume of your voice, which gives them the message that something's ngoing on that may affect them too.nnThat's why it's so important to show them good coping skills. If you light a cigarette, have a drink, or use foul language when you're under pressure, your little one mayninternalize that as a coping method. nnInstead, model healthy behavior during difficult times, such as writing in a journal, de-stressing in a hot bath, sharing how you feel without blaming, or taking a walk.nn5. Instill confidence.nnWhen children are young, there are times when you will have to come to their defence and help them handle tough situations. But as they get older, you also have to let themnchampion themselves, which builds their confidence in their ability to resolve problems on their own. nnOne of your missions as a parent is to know when to step in and when to stand back. Your response will depend on the child's temperament, maturity and the situation. nnFor example, your third grader may be able to confront a taunting classmate on their own, whereas a serious case of bullying may warrant your intervention. nnStill, always make sure your child knows you've got their back. Tell them, "Try it on your own first, but if you need help, let me know and I'll be there."