By teaching children how to recognize and manage their stress, they can develop the skills they need to live happier, healthier lives.

Stress is an ignorant state. It believes that everything is an emergency.

— Natalie Goldberg

A child whose mother had divorced was in school. His mother begged and lived in terrible conditions, yet she managed to bring the child up to 10th grade. One day, the child experienced verbal abuse at home, and as a result of this abuse, the child committed suicide.

The mother, who had been struggling to support her son on her own, lost all hope. Similarly, one of my students committed suicide because he was denied a bike at home. My 30-year-old friend also died in such circumstances. I have just highlighted a few of the many such cases in the 2–3 km radius. It shows how our society is stressed and anxious, but we don’t know how to cope with it.

Stress and anxiety are a normal part of life, but when they become excessive, they can have a damaging effect on a child’s physical, mental, and emotional health, even in the case of the events mentioned above. It is essential for parents to help children learn how to manage their stress and anxiety in a healthy manner.

The most important thing parents can do is to connect with their children and listen to them. It is important to be there to listen when a child is stressed, providing a safe place for them to express their feelings. Parents should validate their feelings and tell them that the way they feel is okay and that it happens in life. They should also be taught to divert their attention when angry, leaving that place for a while and going somewhere else. Suggesting that they put their mind in another way as if they were playing a game, can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Additionally, parents can help children manage stress and anxiety by teaching them problem-solving skills. Teaching children how to identify and solve problems can help them better manage their stress and anxiety. Additionally, parents can help children manage stress and anxiety by teaching them problem-solving skills. Teaching children how to identify and solve problems can help them better manage their stress and anxiety.

How children can cope with stressful situations

Discuss the importance of managing stress in a healthy way. Explain that it’s normal to feel stressed and that it’s important to find ways to deal with it. Help children recognize and challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations.

Adopt healthy coping strategies!

Children learn best by watching and imitating the people around them. Model healthy coping strategies such as deep breathing, taking a break, talking to a trusted adult, and engaging in physical activity. Encourage children to get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals and be physically active.

Teach problem-solving skills

Help children identify the source of their stress and brainstorm potential solutions. Encourage them to practice their problem-solving skills to come up with creative solutions to their problems.

Offer emotional support

Let children know that it’s okay to feel stressed and that they can talk to you about it. Provide them with a safe space to express their feelings and offer them emotional support.

Encourage positive activities

Help children find activities they enjoy that help them feel relaxed, such as reading, playing, or taking walks.

They should also be taught to divert their attention when angry, leaving that place for a while and going somewhere else. Suggesting that they put their mind in another way as if they were playing a game, can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Read more about parenting.

The writer can be reached via Medium, YouTube, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Google Scholar.