The uncertain economy facing our nation has resulted in lost jobs, foreclosed homes and struggling families. While young children may not be aware of everything happening in this topsy-turvy world, they're definitely feeling the effects. The stress their parents are feeling directly impacts children says The National Center for Parents as Teachers.
SIGNS THAT CHILDREN HAVE HARMFUL STRESS LEVELS * Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach, neck or back pain * Excessive anger, aggression * Poor concentration, lack of enthusiasm or motivation * Depression, apathy, withdrawal * Regressive behaviors * Sleep disturbances, night terrors, nightmares * Extremes in eating * Irritability, explosive or frequent crying * Attention-seeking behaviors * Compulsive behaviors such as hair pulling, ear tugging, tapping, nervous laughter, excessive fidgeting * Cruel behavior to friends or pets
HOW TO LOWER YOUR CHILD'S STRESS LEVEL * Give positive attention often. Say what she can do, instead of what she can't do. * Teach your child how to recognize and talk about it when he is feeling stressed. * Let her know you're concerned when she's upset. * Give him opportunities to express his feelings without interruption or judgment. * After a disagreement, cuddle and discuss the situation. * Offer activities to vent stress and release anxious feelings such as dancing, playing outside, running, stretching, pounding dough or a pillow. * Keep noise levels low (TV, radio, stereo) * Use relaxation techniques such as hugging or massage, playing or singing soft music, reading a calm story, taking a warm bath (with adult supervision), rocking rhythmically, using a security object such as a blanket, teddy bear or pacifier. Loving attention goes far in reducing stress. * Go for a walk together. This can ease everyone's stress levels.
For more parenting tips like these, visit www.ParentsAsTeachers.org.
SIGNS THAT CHILDREN HAVE HARMFUL STRESS LEVELS * Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach, neck or back pain * Excessive anger, aggression * Poor concentration, lack of enthusiasm or motivation * Depression, apathy, withdrawal * Regressive behaviors * Sleep disturbances, night terrors, nightmares * Extremes in eating * Irritability, explosive or frequent crying * Attention-seeking behaviors * Compulsive behaviors such as hair pulling, ear tugging, tapping, nervous laughter, excessive fidgeting * Cruel behavior to friends or pets
HOW TO LOWER YOUR CHILD'S STRESS LEVEL * Give positive attention often. Say what she can do, instead of what she can't do. * Teach your child how to recognize and talk about it when he is feeling stressed. * Let her know you're concerned when she's upset. * Give him opportunities to express his feelings without interruption or judgment. * After a disagreement, cuddle and discuss the situation. * Offer activities to vent stress and release anxious feelings such as dancing, playing outside, running, stretching, pounding dough or a pillow. * Keep noise levels low (TV, radio, stereo) * Use relaxation techniques such as hugging or massage, playing or singing soft music, reading a calm story, taking a warm bath (with adult supervision), rocking rhythmically, using a security object such as a blanket, teddy bear or pacifier. Loving attention goes far in reducing stress. * Go for a walk together. This can ease everyone's stress levels.
For more parenting tips like these, visit www.ParentsAsTeachers.org.
