Stress
Why This is Important
Learning how to handle stress in positive ways keeps your child happy and healthy and promotes positive daily habits.
Quick Activity
Sunshine and fresh air does wonders when stressed! If your child needs to decompress, pause and take a walk outside for 15 minutes. Vitamin-D is known to be a mood elevator.
More Activities and Games
Designate a location in your home as a “calm corner” when your child needs to destress or settle down if frustrated. Fill the “calm corner” with comforting items for your child. Discuss the purpose of the “calm corner,” and examples of when it could be used. Make sure when your child has quiet time while in the “calm corner.”
Coloring is an effective way for younger children to calm down. If your child is stressed or upset, pause and give him or her an opportunity to color for 20 minutes. Your child can draw whatever will help him or her calm down. Drawing in geometric patterns and shapes can be an effective way to calm down.
Taking deep breaths can help calm you and your child down when you are stressed or become upset. Lay down on your back. Place one hand on your chest, and one hand on your belly. Take a slow, deep breath through your nose. Feel your belly rise, breathe out, and feel your belly flatten. Keep your hand on your belly as still as possible (or, you could put an object on your belly). Repeat 10 times. You can also practice belly breathing standing up or sitting down.