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Build trust with your child
Be available and open to talk when your child is ready. If family circumstances are contributing to the stress, be willing to answer questions honestly and calmly.
Encourage the expression of feelings
Teach and model good emotional responses
Encourage your child to tell you if he/she feels overwhelmed
Encourage healthy and diverse friendships
Encourage physical activity, good nutrition, and rest
Teach your child to problem solve
Keep your child aware of anticipated family changes in an age-appropriate way
Do not hide the truth from your child. Children sense parents’ worry and the unknown can be scarier than the truth. Avoid unnecessary discussions in front of your child of event/circumstances that might increase his/her stress.
Have your child have a part in decision-making when appropriate.
Remind your child of his/her ability to get through tough times, particularly with the love and support of family and friends.
Monitor television programs that could worry your child and pay attention to the use of social media, computer games, movies, and the Internet
Use encouragement and natural consequences when poor decisions are made.
Help your child select appropriate extracurricular activities and limit overscheduling.
Make you child aware of the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol before experimentation begins.
Monitor you own stress level. Take care of yourself.
Contact your child’s teacher, Guidance Counselor, or School Psychologist and collaborate with them as a team to assist your child.
Seek the assistance of their physician, an outside therapist/counselor, psychologist/psychiatrist and/or other medical and therapeutic personnel if needed.
Please refer to the NASP website @ http:www.nasponline.org/familes for further information.
*This information was derived from a handout entitled, “Stress in Children; Strategies for Parents and Educators,” by Ellis P. Copeland in Helping Children at Home and School II: Handouts for Familes and Educators, NASP 2004.
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