Help Your Child Cope with School Stress

Believe it or not, our little ones can be stressed out by school. They may seem excited about their first day but there are some issues your child may encounter: Do the other kids like me? Does the teacher like me? Am I bright enough? Will I have many friends here?

School Stress

Children from different age groups have different types of fears that may trigger stress. A child in kindergarten is afraid of wetting their pants in school. A first grader fears having to ride a bus and a fourth grader worries about being bullied in class.

Your child might be battling with a fear if they experience one of the following: sleep problems, bed wetting, head aches, stomach aches, irritability, and bed wetting.

Help Your Child

Stress is one of life's realities. You can't really vanquish them in a person's life. Make your child understand it is something they cannot run away from, but there is something they can do to manage and cope with it. Allow your child to distinguish managing stress from avoiding stress.

1. Teach your child deep breathing exercises. Tell them to use this technique whenever they encounter an overwhelming event or situation.

2. Regular exercise is the key to a healthy mind and body. Research says that exercise affects an individual's mood. Engage your child in physical activity. Sports is a great way to develop their attitude and discipline. Moreover, children physical activity suppresses changes that trigger depression and anxiety.

3. Fix them healthy meals. Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids are proven to improve mental and emotional stability. Experts found out that children with problems with behaviors and moods have low intake of essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids. Fish and berries are excellent sources of omega-3.

4. Spend time doing something fun with your kids. Play games, watch funny cartoon shows, or get ice cream with your child. These activities will surely melt the stress away.

5. Teach your child the importance of time management. If his exams are fast approaching, let him do some advance reading. Tell him to review his notes nightly, even if he doesn't have

homework due the next day.

6. To ensure that your child gets enough sleep, help him develop a nightly routine: dinner, bushing teeth, reading, prayers, lights out. A nightly routine allows his mind and body to relax before hitting the sack.

7. Keep a positive attitude and be supportive of your child always. Instead of blaming him after a low quiz grade, be more encouraging. Always emphasize the positive. Studies show that encouraging words that emphasize desired behaviors enter the child's subconscious and in turn, reinforce these behaviors.

Remember that school stress is a chance for you to teach your child how to manage and handle stress and also to spend some quality time together.