How do you deal with stress? Especially as a parent? Because you’re a mum and that’s one of the most stressful things in the world! But a lot of the time you can just push it away and get on with your day. But when you notice your own kids getting stressed out and irritated as well, it can be a bit of a wakeup call. You know you need to do something, but you’re not quite sure where to start, or what will really help. As such, here are our tips for dealing with stress problems as a family and building healthy blocks for the future.
Never Let a Struggle Go Ignored
If your kids are experiencing a problem at school, or there’s been an argument amongst them at home, it’s best to make sure it’s talked out before they head to bed that night. Feelings can fester when things are left to bottle up, and resentments can soon form, in both kids and adults alike.
Indeed, a lot of people who bottle up their emotions in the long term are likely to develop addiction problems later on in life, and may need to check into a rehab for alcohol to help them cope. It doesn’t always happen, of course, but it can be an end result. Teaching your kids it’s OK to talk, no matter how bad they’re feeling, is a great way to encourage healthy ways of dealing with stress.
Don’t Just Use Words
Maybe your kids are a bit stressed because they’re being misunderstood? If you think that’s the case, it might be worth it to print out some emotional pictures. Someone with a grumpy face, for example, or someone crying and rubbing their eyes. If they can’t use their words, they can point to the picture they most feel like!
It’s a good way to kickstart the conversation between you all, and can help a kid to see that they’re not alone in the way they feel. You can also use crayons and toys like play-dough here, so your child can colour/shape the way they feel and go from there.
Get Outside and Waste Some Energy
Stress is an age old response when we want to run away from something or stand our ground and fight. And because of that, it’s a good idea to take anyone in a bad or snappy mood out and about.
Getting them to waste a bit of that nervous energy can do them wonders in the moment, and will certainly make it easier to get them to bed that evening too! Get outside, play a game, go for a takeaway and eat it in the park or on the beach, and just have some fun away from your home. Being cooped up indoors does no one any favours!
Stress gets to everyone at some point, and even kids have to deal with it from time to time. Help them cope with ideas like these.
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