As an adult with responsibilities, financial worries, pressure from work and everything else in-between, it’s easy to think that children have it easy. A few hours of school every day, whole days spent learning new topics and skills, time with friends and of course an entire summer break where they can do whatever they please!
Sadly, the reality of modern life is much different, so much so that even young children can feel the strain of pressure from their academics, pressure from social media and issues with friendship groups and self-esteem. Not forgetting 18 months of uncertainty and fear due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Being a kid perhaps isn’t as easy as it once was. Today, more children than ever before are stressed out, and it shows in a variety of ways. From lashing out at those they love, to crying and headaches in younger children, it’s important that parents and guardians intervene to help them manage their stress and provide activities that help to relieve it.
In this post, we’ll explore some simple and enjoyable activities that will help your kids manage their stress and feel better.
Colouring
Sometimes, the simplest of activities is often the most effective. Colouring requires concentration and focus, making it similar to meditation. While you may find it difficult to get younger children to sit still long enough to practice their deep breathing, colouring is the next best thing. Don’t worry about having piles of colouring books to hand, simply head online and print off colouring pages when you need them. If you need to buy hp printer ink cartridges, click the link so your printer is ready to go. Stock up on plenty of pens and crayons too, so this activity is easily accessed whenever they need it.
Journaling
If your child is a little older, then they may benefit from having the opportunity to write down their thoughts, feelings and worries. If there is something specific that is making them stressed, writing it down can help them feel in more control. If you have younger children, encourage them to draw pictures. You don’t need to head out and buy an expensive journal, just a simple notebook that they can decorate will suffice.
Blowing Bubbles
When we get stressed, our heart rate climbs, and our breathing becomes shallow and forced. Blowing bubbles isn’t just a fun activity that kids of all ages enjoy, but it also helps them to control their breathing, inhale and exhale fully and focus on the activity itself. They’ll also love running around trying to chase them, another way to blow off steam!
And Finally, Talk
We all need someone to talk to, and your children are no exception. Always make yourself available whenever they want to talk, and even if they’re a little cagey, just let them know that you’re there when they need you. You don’t have to wait until stress becomes an issue, having regular conversations about stress and how to manage it will create healthier habits at home and bring you closer together as a family.
