Learning About Helping Your Child Manage Stress

How can you help your child manage stress?

Finding ways to get stress out of their systems will help children feel better. The best ways to relieve stress are different for each person. Try some of these ideas to see which ones work for your child.

• Exercise.

  Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. For children, this means activities like walking, bike-riding, outdoor play, and solo and group sports.

• Write or draw.

  Older children often find it helpful to write about the things that are bothering them. Younger children may be helped by drawing about those things.

• Let feelings out.

  Invite your child to talk, laugh, cry, and express anger when needed.

• Do something fun.

  A hobby can help your child relax. Volunteer work or work that helps others can be a great stress reliever for older children.

• Learn ways to relax.

  This can include breathing exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, massage, aromatherapy, meditating, praying, yoga, or relaxing exercises like tai chi and qi gong.

• Laugh.

  Laughter really can be the best medicine. You can be a good role model in this area by looking for the humor in life. Your child can learn this valuable skill by watching you.