JAMESTOWN – The bookbags are packed and lunches made, but is your child ready to deal with back to school stress?
Doctor Stephanie Walsh with Children’s Healthcare Of Atlanta says stress may manifest itself as a stomach or headache in children and teens. Although trouble with sleep is usually the first sign something is wrong.
“Coping skills need to be learned when they’re not stressed because when you’re stressed that’s when you need to use them; not when you need to learn them,” said Dr. Walsh. “So taking some time with your kids in a nice, quiet environment and saying, ‘hey when I’m nervous I do some extra deep breathing can I talk to you about this'”
Walsh says teaching your child how to handle life’s ups and downs now can set them up for success later in life.
“Our kids tend to be so hard on themselves and it’s really important to let them figure out how to accept themselves, appreciate the fact that they were really brave in a situation where they tried and that they did their best,” Dr. Walsh explained.
Letting children know it’s okay to fail can also help shed some stress.
Experts also suggest making sure your child gets plenty of physical activity also helps children and teens deal with stress.
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