Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, offers 10 practical tips to help parents manage their children’s stress at home.
Children face unprecedented stress levels in today’s fast-paced world, which is driven by social challenges, school pressures, and busy schedules.
Recognising stress in children is key to providing support. Be alert to signs such as withdrawal, irritability, difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares, physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches, and a sudden drop in school performance or loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy.
Here are 10 practical ways to support kids and promote their well-being.
1. Provide Nutritious Meals
Providing nutritious meals is essential for managing stress. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and lean proteins. Limit sugary snacks and processed foods, which can cause mood swings and low energy.
2. Limit Screen Time
Limiting screen time is important to reduce stress. Set boundaries, especially in the evenings, and encourage screen-free activities like reading or drawing to help them unwind and recharge.
3. Establish Predictable Routines
Creating structure helps children feel safe and reduces anxiety. Stick to regular schedules for meals, homework, and bedtime. Predictable routines bring stability, especially in uncertain times, helping kids feel more grounded and less stressed.
4. Encourage Open Communication
Create a safe space for your child to share their thoughts and feelings. Use open-ended questions to start conversations, such as, “What was the best part of your day?” or “Did anything funny or surprising happen today?”
5. Promote Physical Activity
Exercise is a natural stress reliever. You should encourage your child to engage in activities they enjoy. Spending time outdoors can further boost their mood by increasing exposure to sunlight and fresh air, improving mental health.
6. Prioritise Sleep
Set a consistent bedtime routine and create a quiet, dark, and comfortable sleep environment. Avoid caffeine before bed and encourage calming activities like reading or soft music to help them relax.
7. Model Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Show them healthy ways to handle stress, such as practising mindfulness, exercising, or taking deep breaths when things get tense. Let them see you face challenges with calmness and a positive approach; children learn by watching adults.
8. Foster Positivity and Gratitude
Motivate your child to think about the best part of their day. You can start a gratitude journal or start a custom of sharing one good thing that happened during dinner time. This enables children to concentrate on the positives, which helps lower the level of stress.
9. Relaxation Techniques
Teach your child simple deep breathing techniques, such as the “balloon breathing” method. Have them imagine blowing up a balloon by inhaling deeply through their nose, filling their belly with air, and then slowly exhaling through their mouth to “deflate” the balloon. This helps calm their mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety.
10. Seek Professional Support
If your child’s stress continues or gets worse, consider reaching out to a therapist or counsellor. These professionals help your child cope with emotions by providing tailored techniques for reducing stress and anxiety levels. Other valuable resources include Childline South Africa, which children and parents use.
Cultivating a Safe Home Environment
Creating a calm and stress-free home environment can greatly benefit children. Here are a few ways to achieve this:
- Using warm, low lighting or night light as part of the decor can help children feel more secure and relaxed.
- Introduce materials such as a blanket, beanbags, and soft cushions in the seating to make the room more comfortable.
- Try building a specific, quiet, controlled surrounding, which can include books, puzzles, and art supplies, which allows the child to focus and relax.
Conclusion
Unmanaged stress and challenging behaviours can harm a child’s physical, mental, and emotional health, potentially causing long-term issues. However, addressing these problems early with proper care can teach children healthy ways to manage stress, improving their chances of success in life.
Remember, every child is unique in their way of handling things. Be patient and mindful of your words and actions in these situations.