FIVE WAYS TO HELP
YOUR CHILD DEAL
WITH STRESS
BPT
STRENGTHEN YOUR LINES OF
COMMUNICATION
Your child may be more open about school if you
have frequent conversations about other things as
well. Talk to them about the little stuff, and they’ll be
more apt to tell you about the big stuff. Listen without
judging, and be ready to engage them in an activity
if that makes them more comfortable. Braiding your
Mental health plays a significant role in a child’s overall child’s hair, shooting a few baskets in the driveway
health. Sometimes, however, topics around mental health or working a puzzle can lead to great conversations.
can feel overwhelming or confusing for parents. Many may
find it difficult to spot the difference between traditional
WORK WITH YOUR SCHOOL
school stress and potential trauma. Fortunately, there are If your child is showing signs of stress that concern
many resources available to help. As a start, Al-Mateen offers you, don’t be afraid to reach out to their teachers or
five recommendations to support parents in understanding principal. Your child’s teacher may be able to shed light
school issues, helping children cope and tackling problems. on what’s causing the stress and, if nothing else, can
help watch out for your child during the school day.
CHECK IN ABOUT
SCHOOL AND ACTIVITIES
ESTABLISH A ROUTINE AT HOME
Give your child your undivided attention for 5 to 10 Children thrive in stable, consistent environments.
minutes every day to talk about their friends, teachers Creating a predictable schedule is helpful, if you can,
and classes. Open yourself to hearing the good and but sometimes that’s just not possible. Make a big
bad, and ask what they find difficult - like feeling too family calendar and keep it where everyone can access
nervous to talk or being teased for talking too much. it. This empowers children to know what’s coming up
These conversations help you identify problems as and helps provide the solid foundation they crave at
they arise, teach your child problem-solving skills and home. They’ll be better prepared to deal with changes
reinforce how deeply you care about their wellbeing. and unexpected situations they may face at school.
“Stress isn’t the same for all children, and it impacts
every one differently,” said Dr. Cheryl S. Al-Mateen,
medical director of the Virginia Treatment Center
for Children. “In fact, in some cases this stress can
even be traumatic. If left unnoticed, it can lead to
real mental health concerns, including depression,
anxiety, self-harm and even substance abuse.”
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
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AUGUST 2018