How to Destress Your Child

Stress plays an crucial role in a child's life. Some stress is good while at times stress can be harmful. If you think that your child is over-stressed more than not, here are some helpful tips on how to destress your child for a healthier life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A journal for your child
• Pen or pencil
• Calendar
• Open communication with your child

1. The first thing you have to know to help destress your child is what is causing her to be stressed out. Have a one-on-one talk with your child about what is bothering her, and get to the root of things. Just knowing that you are concerned will already make her feel a little better.
2. Make sure your child has a set routine to follow every day. Consistency in a child's life is very important. If your child is floundering around day-by-day with no direction, she will feel unorganized and stressed. Routine is important.
3. Provide a release for stress by placing your child in one extracurricular activity a season. Sports activities are a great way for a child to let off some steam. It also provides a way for her to socialize with friends and stay physically active.
4. Consider the demands that you have personally placed on your child. Chores, for instance, should be age-related. Children who cannot live up to their parents expectations tend to be more stressed than others.
5. Give your child a set bedtime every evening. Only sway from that bedtime routine on weekends occasionally for special occasions. Children are more apt to be less stressed, if they feel refreshed and energetic. Providing them a routine bedtime will help this matter.
6. Encourage your child to keep a journal to write feelings down on paper. This will help her vent frustrations in a positive way. Listing good things that have happened to her will also help her see that things are not always gloomy.
7. Suggest a hobby for your child to get interested in. Doing something that she enjoys will make her feel good.

Tips & Warnings

• Too many extracurricular activities will only raise your child's stress level. Limit them to one a season, if possible.
• Oversleeping can be just as detrimental as not enough sleep. A routine wakeup time is also a good idea.