How to Help Your Children Manage Stress

Are your kids stressed out? As adults, it is our norm to experience stress, often on a daily basis. We may not, however, be as aware of the amount of stress our kids are experiencing. Just like us, kids can feel overwhelmed with demands at school or the pressure to do well in sports.

What can you do to help a child who is feeling anxious or overwhelmed?

• Help them breathe. Not just their natural in and out breath; teach them to take deep, full breaths into their abdomen. You can have them lay down with a pillow or stuffed animal on their belly and ask them to watch it rise and fall as they breathe in and out.
• Teach them how to “shake it off.” Turn on some fun music and have them shake their arms and legs while imagining they are letting go of their frustrations.
• Soothe and nurture them. Take the time to ask them how they are feeling and be fully present with them as they respond. A good hug, a shared laugh, or cry can go a long way in helping them feel better.

Nicole Lovald is a life coach and yogi, and the owner of Spirit of the Lake Yoga and Wellness Center in Excelsior. Her first book, Om Sweet Om, was published in 2018.