Ways to Help Children Manage Stress
Parents and teachers are in a constant struggle to help children manage stress. As the grades go by, the amount of academic work also increases. Along with this, the children also start becoming more aware of what they want to do in the future. All of this can bring a lot of chaos and confusion, and hence they will need to come up with good methodologies that will help curb the stress. Here are some ways to help children manage stress.
Table of Contents
What is academic stress?
Academic stress is nothing but the imposed pressure that a student goes through while in the school environment. The stress might be because of the preparation for exams and other extracurricular activities.
Ways to help children manage stress
1.Breakdown the work
Most times, stress makes its way through the lives of students because they try to attempt to solve problems as a whole. It is not the right way and thus it enhances the stress and makes their situation worse. So, the best way to deal is to break down homework into smaller bits. Taking ample breaks in between can make the work more manageable.
2.Journaling
Having a small notebook that can record the feelings that have happened over the course of a day is a good way to process emotions. Parents and teachers should give children the necessary privacy and make sure not to go through these personal excerpts. Writing about the positive aspects of the day and going through them at the end of the week can help the children start the coming weeks with a more blissful outlook. This is one of the best ways to help children manage stress.
3.Stick to a schedule
A clearly defined or planned day can help keep the stress at bay. The time after school can be arranged with a good amount of time dedicated for revision, homework, and other interesting personal activities. When the child knows beforehand how the day pans out,it will bring down the levels of anxiety. And this fixed schedule and routine can curb stress.
4.Sleep Well
Good rest is a stress-buster. Sleeping well can help organise thoughts and be productive throughout the day. Good uninterrupted sleep for a minimum of seven hours can help keep stress in check. To encourage a sleep schedule, one needs to limit screen usage and avoid using digital devices right before sleep.
5.Exercise
Exercise is an important part of daily life, irrespective of age. Incorporating a steady workout routine can help bring down the anxiety and tension in children. The release of certain hormones during and after exercise can help induce a sense of calmness. Half an hour of exercise needs to be gradually brought to 60-minutes to ensure the complete well-being of the child.
6.Don’t impose expectations
This pointer is for parents and teachers and they need to follow it religiously. Teachers and parents should not overly impose rules and restrictions on children and their schedules. Setting certain milestones for children can create unwanted anxiety. Expecting them to bring a certain grade for exams is not required; instead, give them the motivation to perform well in exams.
7.Conversations
With the advent of digital devices, it is evident that children and parents alike are more invested in screen time than in proper heart-to-heart conversations. Children’s negative thoughts are a result of these talks being absent in and of themselves. Setting aside a good amount of time for such conversations can help ease stress and also help parents stay informed about what’s happening in their children’s lives.
8.Be Problem Solvers
The ability to think analytically and critically should be a necessary part of growing up. Parents and teachers shouldn’t barge in when the child complains about the slightest difficulty in coping. Giving them the necessary tools and advice and helping them figure out a solution by themselves will be a catalyst for their growth as individuals.
9.Claps for Smallest Wins
The children should be urged to celebrate and take pride in even the most insignificant wins. This gives them the opportunity to learn that even the smallest victories are valued and counted. This gives them a sense of happiness and even more responsibility for their actions.
It also gives them that motivation and makes them more prepared for the bigger things coming their way.
10.Understanding digitally
Digital influence is quite high these days, and as more and more access and venues are opening up, it becomes crucial to keep an eye out on what kids are being subjected to. Children usually forget the fact that the online or digital world is a facade and there is far more to it. The little to no understanding gets them cyberbullied, which affects their self-esteem. So, as parents and teachers, a regular audit of the online presence can help prevent students from feeling unnecessarily pressured and stressed.
Conclusion
Stress is an inevitable part of life but children should not be subjected to it at a young age. Right interference and being there for them is the best way to help children manage stress. The blog covered major points that will help in managing tension and chaos the right way.
