Childhood can be a stressful time for everyone. With the pressures of growing up, school, and socializing, it’s easy to understand why children might feel stressed at times.

Fortunately, there are a variety of things parents and caregivers can do to help alleviate stress for children. Here are some helpful tips:.

Understand the Symptoms of Childhood Stress

Before we dive into tips for handling childhood stress, it’s important to understand what stress might look like for a child. Common symptoms might include:.

Difficulty sleeping / nightmares
Changes in appetite / stomach aches
Headaches
Social withdrawal
Moodiness
Agitation / irritability
Bedwetting / wetting pants in older children
Regressive behavior

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it may be time to take action to help reduce their stress levels.

Make Time for Play

One of the best things parents can do to help alleviate stress for children is to provide plenty of opportunities for play. Play is essential for children, as it allows them to explore their environment, develop social skills, and have fun.

Make time for unstructured play, such as playing with dolls, building with blocks, or drawing. Join your child in their play if possible; it’ll provide an excellent bonding opportunity between you two.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment without judgment. It’s a powerful stress-relieving tool for people of all ages, including children.

Encourage your child to take a few deep breaths and focus on the present moment when they’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s also helpful to teach your child how to meditate; meditating can help children develop concentration, empathy, and emotional regulation.

Establish a Routine

Children thrive on routine. It provides them with a sense of security and predictability. Establishing a routine for your child can help reduce stress and anxiety. Try to have set times for waking up, eating meals, doing homework, and going to bed.

If your child has a sense of structure in their life, they’ll be better able to manage any stress that comes their way.

Encourage Physical Activity

Physical activity is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve overall health. Encourage your child to get outside and engage in physical activity that they enjoy, such as bike riding, swimming, or playing catch.

Physical activity also releases endorphins, which are natural stress-fighters.

Model Good Coping Skills

Children learn by example. If they see you practicing good coping skills, they’re more likely to do the same.

Try to remain calm and composed in stressful situations, and teach your child healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, such as stretching, deep breathing, or writing in a journal.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for proper growth and development in children. Lack of sleep can cause irritability, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating; all symptoms of childhood stress.

Aim for a consistent bedtime for your child and make sure they’re getting enough hours of sleep for their age.