Ease the Back to School Stress for Kids

Stress LESS through Mindful Living®

Ease the Back to School Stress for Kids

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We help our children prepare for the first day back to  school with the right supplies and the right clothes, but being in the right state of mind is even more important. Back to School Stress is common among many of children, and it can greatly affect their health.

There are many school-related triggers that can cause our children to stress. Late night studying, homework, standardized tests, bullies, peer pressure, and changes in routines are just some common causes of stress in children.

Dermatologists have found that such stress can cause outbreaks of acne among teens. Doctors have shown that disrupted sleep schedules, early mornings, missed breakfasts and such can trigger serious migraines in certain children. And the stress of changing their routine (especially their regular urination schedule) for school can cause flare-ups of bed-wetting.

To better prepare your child try the following back to school stress relieving tips:

  1. Routines ease anxiety. Creating a stable morning routine can help relieve stress. For instance, by having the kids pack their backpacks and pick out their clothes the night before, they will be in less of a rush in the morning.
  2. Exercise. If your student is feeling a little overwhelmed, consider riding bikes together or playing catch in the park. Exercise is known to help relieve symptoms of stress and spending quality time with family may ease their anxiety.
  3. Sleep’s important. When schedules are jammed packed, a few hours of sleep is usually sacrificed in order to make room for other activities, but this can do more harm than good. Children from ages 7 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep a day, and kids 12 years old and older need 8 to 9 hours of sleep a day.
  4. Family meals. With hectic schedules for kids and parents, planning a sit-down meal together can be tough, but it’s worth it. Consider it a family debriefing time. Encourage your kids to open up about their school experiences without fear of judgment.
  5. Stay positive. Keep your kids uplifted with the right attitude. For example, if they fill you in on all the bad things that they happened during their school day, ask them to think of some good events too. It teaches them the importance of positivity.

 

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