Desmon Newby April 12, 2012 Educ 303 Dr. Kariuki

Stress is a term that is commonly used today but has become increasingly difficult to define. Stress typically describes a negative concept that can have an impact on one’s mental and physical well-being. Everyone experiences stress and anxiety at one time or another. The difference between them is that stress is a response to a threat in a situation. Anxiety is a reaction to the stress.

3 Ways of helping children cope with stress

Studies show that many children exhibit extreme stress, with symptoms similar to those of adults Unlike adults, children do not have the means or the skills necessary to properly understand or manage their stress. Parents and caregivers need to recognize when children are feeling stressed, and they need to take the proper steps to help them feel better.

Some children may become ill. Some become withdrawn and nervous. Some show anger and demand attention. Some children may be resilient, which means that they do not seem to be bothered by stress. Children who isolate themselves from other children may be feeling stressed A child who is easily agitated, irritable, lazy, lethargic, or aggressive may also be dealing with stress. Drastic behavioral changes

Accident proneness Anger Anxiety Appetite Loss Baby Talk Bed-Wetting Biting Crying Spells Detachment Excessive Aggressiveness Excessive Laziness Hitting Kicking Insomnia Stuttering Obesity Indigestion Thumb sucking Pounding heart Grinding Teeth Fingernail Biting Respiratory Tract Illness Tattling

Separation from parents Academic and social pressures Bullying Not having enough time to play creatively or relax after school Having too many extra curricular activities Problems in the household World news; such as war and disaster Death of a loved one Illness Divorce

Watch for changes in habits or behavior Promote a positive environment Accept the child's behavior (never scold). Let them know that you care. Set a good example Teach children names or words for their feelings and appropriate ways to express them.

Music can influence the mood of children. According to Parenting, music can reduce stress and improve the sense of well-being. Play music while the kids draw or work to create a relaxing classroom environment. Choose upbeat music with a strong rhythm for a classroom break. Encourage the kids to dance along with the music to burn energy and improve the mood.

Many preschool and early elementary classrooms include a sensory table, which is a shallow tub with legs that stands at child height. Inexpensive plastic tubs work just as well. Many fillers work in a sensory table, including sand, rice and water. Kids run their hands through the material for a soothing sensory experience.

Breaks during the day for physical activity teach kids to deal with stress in a healthy manner. Lead the students in a series of simple exercises, such as jumping jacks or toe touches. A walk around the playground or school grounds also offers a physical activity break to reduce student stress.

Drawing and writing are two options for letting kids explore the cause of their stress. Encourage kids to draw about how they are feeling or what makes them feel stressed. General drawing and art activities can also provide stress relief for kids. If you prefer writing, have the kids write about their day and what is causing them stress.

Visualization exercises teach kids to imagine relaxing situations to help reduce stress levels. Children should sit in a comfortable position for the visualization. Create a calming environment by turning off the lights and talking in a soothing voice. Have the kids close their eyes and picture a scene you describe. The scene you describe depends on the age of the students and what they might find relaxing. The classic beach scene is an option if you are unsure where to start. Have the kids talk about the visualization technique after it is done.

A Relaxation Story, designed to help children increase creativity while lowering stress and anxiety levels. created by Lori Lite