Stress is often experienced by adults, while children are seen as carefree individuals. However, today children are burdened with the pressure to cope and keep up to date. The mounting stress among kids is robbing them of their childhood. In the pursuit of moving towards a bright future, kids are losing a grip on the present.

Let?s understand the stressors that kids are facing so that appropriate action can be taken.

  1. Studies - Many students struggle with keeping up to the date with the school assignments. Students are graded for this, especially with the competition to be the best; no stone is left unturned. As a result, this takes a toll on the physical health of the child.
  2. Peer pressure - Kids identify with their peers. They need to be accepted and feel part of a group. Early childhood rejection can create havoc on a child?s emotional health.
  3. Additional activities - It?s great for kids to engage in extra-curricular activities. However, if they are pulled between too many activities, they can be in a constant state of rush and can miss having fun while learning.
  4. Loss of a loved one - Children who?ve experienced the loss of a pet or loved one need to be supported during the grieving process. Poor coping mechanisms can lead to long term effects.
  5. Social pressure - Children may feel the need to have the latest gadgets, trending outfits and accessories. If they are unable to own the same things as their peers, they may feel left out.

These are some of the major pressures experienced by children. Parents and guardians are the primary advisors, supporters and caretakers of children. If children don?t learn to deal with stress, they may self soothe with alternate unhealthy mediums. Here is how you can help kids cope with pressure:

  1. Include meditation in the morning routine of kids - This will help kids begin their day with a calmer morning which sets the tone for the day. Meditation is said to have a positive impact on the brain development of kids.
  2. Help kids understand that making mistakes is alright - When kids understand that mistakes are bound to happen, they will not attempt to hide their faults.
  3. Set a sleep routine - Kids need to sleep well at night as this will boost their mood. Create an environment at home where the TV is switched off after a particular time and social gatherings are kept for the weekends.
  4. Help kids find an emotional outlet - Communicate with kids and listen to them. Encourage them to express their feelings and assure them it is a safe space to verbalize and feel. Speak to kids and help them make sensible decisions.
  5. Take time for self-care - Your well-being is vital for your child?s health. Make sure to spend time tending to yourself. Work stress can take a toll on adults, and this can quickly be displaced on kids. How you manage stress will directly impact how kids manage stress. Children tend to mimic adult behaviour. So it would be best if you took care of yourself first.

Have an open relationship with your kids where discipline is not dictated, but it is accepted as a part of life. Educate kids about triggers and how they can identify them. You can incorporate the above tips which will be beneficial for you. Start and end your day with meditative practices even if they are brief. Journal regularly and confide in loved ones as this will help you prioritize your mental and emotional wellness.

What self-care practices are you choosing today?

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Stress is often experienced by adults, while children are seen as carefree individuals. However, today children are burdened with the pressure to cope and keep up to date. The mounting stress among kids is robbing them of their childhood. In the pursuit of moving towards a bright future, kids are losing a grip on the present.

Let?s understand the stressors that kids are facing so that appropriate action can be taken.

  1. Studies - Many students struggle with keeping up to the date with the school assignments. Students are graded for this, especially with the competition to be the best; no stone is left unturned. As a result, this takes a toll on the physical health of the child.
  2. Peer pressure - Kids identify with their peers. They need to be accepted and feel part of a group. Early childhood rejection can create havoc on a child?s emotional health.
  3. Additional activities - It?s great for kids to engage in extra-curricular activities. However, if they are pulled between too many activities, they can be in a constant state of rush and can miss having fun while learning.
  4. Loss of a loved one - Children who?ve experienced the loss of a pet or loved one need to be supported during the grieving process. Poor coping mechanisms can lead to long term effects.
  5. Social pressure - Children may feel the need to have the latest gadgets, trending outfits and accessories. If they are unable to own the same things as their peers, they may feel left out.

These are some of the major pressures experienced by children. Parents and guardians are the primary advisors, supporters and caretakers of children. If children don?t learn to deal with stress, they may self soothe with alternate unhealthy mediums. Here is how you can help kids cope with pressure:

  1. Include meditation in the morning routine of kids - This will help kids begin their day with a calmer morning which sets the tone for the day. Meditation is said to have a positive impact on the brain development of kids.
  2. Help kids understand that making mistakes is alright - When kids understand that mistakes are bound to happen, they will not attempt to hide their faults.
  3. Set a sleep routine - Kids need to sleep well at night as this will boost their mood. Create an environment at home where the TV is switched off after a particular time and social gatherings are kept for the weekends.
  4. Help kids find an emotional outlet - Communicate with kids and listen to them. Encourage them to express their feelings and assure them it is a safe space to verbalize and feel. Speak to kids and help them make sensible decisions.
  5. Take time for self-care - Your well-being is vital for your child?s health. Make sure to spend time tending to yourself. Work stress can take a toll on adults, and this can quickly be displaced on kids. How you manage stress will directly impact how kids manage stress. Children tend to mimic adult behaviour. So it would be best if you took care of yourself first.

Have an open relationship with your kids where discipline is not dictated, but it is accepted as a part of life. Educate kids about triggers and how they can identify them. You can incorporate the above tips which will be beneficial for you. Start and end your day with meditative practices even if they are brief. Journal regularly and confide in loved ones as this will help you prioritize your mental and emotional wellness.

What self-care practices are you choosing today?

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First Community Portal for K-12