| Is your child stressed out? Some people think | | | | help children count their blessings. Comfort and |
| only adults experience stress, but it affects our | | | | reassure them by saying, "We're strong and |
| children too. Here's how to help your child manage | | | | we're going to make it." "And as difficult as it may |
| their emotions. | | | | be, try to maintain everyday routines. |
| We often view our kids as happy-go-lucky beings | | | | For many young victims of floods or fire, for |
| without a care. But children can also experience | | | | example, going back to school, even in another |
| stress. Not only do they get anxious about things | | | | city, can help bring some normalcy back to their |
| in their own young world--school, friends, peer | | | | disrupted lives. What can also help is to make |
| pressure--but they also can be deeply affected | | | | sure children have positive outlets like physical |
| by outside factors such as war, natural disasters | | | | activity, going to the movies or spending time |
| and other unsettling world events. | | | | with friends. |
| In fact, the list of contributors to childhood stress | | | | 4. Lead by example. |
| can be quite long. Many stressors are the result | | | | Children often learn to deal with stress by |
| of family problems, like divorce, a death or a | | | | mimicking how you respond in challenging times. |
| parent's job loss but there are also less obvious | | | | Even if you don't tell your child that you're about |
| triggers such as moving to a new city or the birth | | | | to be laid off from your job or that you're |
| of a new sibling. | | | | worried that your marriage is on the verge of |
| As a parent, you can become attuned to what's | | | | breaking up, they can still pick up on your stress. |
| a normal amount of anxiety for your child and | | | | They may not understand the underlying causes |
| what is not. If you notice anything out of the | | | | but they can hear the strained tone and elevated |
| ordinary, use the following tools to help your child | | | | volume of your voice,which gives them the |
| handle it better. | | | | message that something's going on that may |
| Tuning into Anxiety Attack symptoms | | | | affect them too. |
| 1. Tune in to their moods. | | | | That's why it's so important to show them good |
| Pay attention to your child's behavior. Take the | | | | coping skills. If you light a cigarette, have a drink, |
| time to talk to your child to get to the root of | | | | or use foul language when you're under pressure, |
| the problem. Ask questions like "How are you | | | | your little one may internalize that as a coping |
| feeling?" "What's happening at school?" or "How | | | | method. |
| are things with your friends?" | | | | Instead, model healthy behavior during difficult |
| When you show concern for their problems and | | | | times, such as writing in a journal, de-stressing in |
| issues, it's reassuring to them and they'll be more | | | | a hot bath, sharing how you feelwithout blaming, |
| responsive to that attention. | | | | or taking a walk. |
| 2. Watch the same shows they do. | | | | 5. Instill confidence. |
| If you have younger children, you certainly don't | | | | When children are young, there are times when |
| want them watching the doom and gloom of daily | | | | you will have to come to their defense and help |
| news shows. Children's minds are like sponges in | | | | them handle tough situations. But as they get |
| they absorb almost everything they see or hear. | | | | older, you also have to let them champion |
| They are especially sensitive to negative energy, | | | | themselves, which builds their confidence in their |
| pain or suffering. Shows like the news can be | | | | ability to resolve problems on their own. |
| traumatizing and anxiety-producing for younger | | | | One of your missions as a parent is to know |
| children. | | | | when to step in and when to stand back. Your |
| It's important to discuss with them what they've | | | | response will depend on the child's temperament, |
| seen. You can't tell them that it's never going to | | | | maturity and the situation. |
| happen to them but you can say,"We're going to | | | | For example, your third grader may be able to |
| do everything we can to protect you". It's also a | | | | confront a taunting classmate on their own, but a |
| good idea to let them know whom to call and | | | | serious case of bullying may warrant your |
| what to do in case of an emergency. | | | | intervention. |
| 3. Focus on the positive. | | | | Still, always make sure your child knows you've |
| There is obviously no way a child can be shielded | | | | got their back. Tell them, "Try it on your own |
| from a major trauma such as a death in the | | | | first,but if you need help,let me know and I'll be |
| family, a house fire or a natural disaster. Instead, | | | | there. |