Stress Management for Kids

Articles

Sep 1

Kids can get stressed out. Even before the days of online learning and worry about COVID-19, kids can struggle with balancing their commitments and expectations while they may not have the skills to cope with that stress. Today, remote learning has become the new normal, as is staying home a lot more than before. With schools around the US suspending in-person classes, kids are forced to keep up with a completely different style of learning and deal with the change of not getting the same social interaction, play, time outdoors, and the normalcy of that routine. All of this change can increase levels in anxiety - not just for kids, but for parents or caregivers alike. For kids, anxiety might present itself in changes to their behavior like increased instances of defiance or arguments, and likewise increased withdrawal or self-isolation.

Although it is a difficult time to navigate with your family, parents or caregivers are the best resource for their kids and can offer the needed guidance to keep everyone happy and healthy.

Some Stress Will Happen

One very important thing to remember is that stress is not something that you can just completely avoid. Some stress is just a natural part of life, because we cannot predict everything that comes our way. What we can do however, is to learn how to manage stress and cope with stressful situations in a healthy way. During this time especially, anxiety and stress are normal things for everyone to experience. Here are some ways you can manage stress for everyone in the household as you progress through this new normal of online learning and home-time:

How Can Parents Help Manage Stress in the Home?

Because we know that stress is heightened during this time for most everyone, taking the steps to ensure you can alleviate stress in your home as much as possible is a positive first step. Parents are naturally attuned to their children’s feelings and emotional state. Your support is the most important element to getting through this difficult time.

Be Conscious of Your Own Stress Levels

Kids can feed off of your behavior and the levels of stress you are feeling. One way to help your kids’ level of stress is to manage your own and be conscious of how you are presenting yourself to the family. You can be the example of how to communicate about how you are feeling and how you are managing your own stress. If you are open about what you need and can maintain calm despite heightened stress, you are giving your kids a trustworthy example.

Patience is Key

It may not be easy to maintain a patient mind dealing with so many unknown factors every day, but being patient with your kids during this time is key. Being open to their needs and gentle with your conversation will go a long way to help things run a little more smoothly.

Online School is Different Than Going to School

One very important think to remember is that you cannot create a normal school day. It is ambitious to try to schedule a full seven hour school day at home. Rather than over scheduling your day, aim to get a few hours with quality interaction and engagement in learning with your kids.

Be Open About Feelings

Simply being open to conversation and encouraging your kids to be open with how they are feeling can help you avoid issues from flaring up down the road. Every child can have a different reaction to the stress they experience, so allow them to freely talk about the issues they are feeling and help them feel assured that you are there to support them with compassion.

Play Is Important

Kids need to play for many different reasons, but when they are young, it comes naturally. The exploration of something they enjoy can help clear their mind which doesn’t include a grade or any level of competition. In addition to these benefits, play usually helps kids get the physical activity they need to maintain better health.

Routines Create Stability

When things are not organized, it can increase stress all around. Routines can create stability through predictability from day to day. It helps kids understand what their role is and what their responsibilities are each day. Although it will take time to get used to a new routine, it is the most beneficial tool for managing this time.

Get more information about managing and creating a routine for your family:

https://tiltonstherapyfortots.com/resources/creating-routines-kids

Other major factors in maintaining the well-being of everyone in your household have to do with the elements of your daily routine. Choosing healthy options for your meals and getting plenty of sleep can help everyone be more clear-minded and able to engage. Although you may be spending increasing amounts of time with your kids through your school lessons, it is important to still have the quality time together that you may have enjoyed before.

There are lots of resources out there to help parents navigate all of the changes we’re experiencing during this time. Reach out to other parents to get to know how they are managing this time, or talk to your child’s therapists about how you can specifically manage your routine most efficiently.