Tips On Parenting

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• Apart from being a parent, you should also have your own time. Reserve time each week for your own activities.
• Take care of your health with a good diet and regular exercise. Parents need a lot of energy to look after children.
• Avoid fatigue. Go to bed earlier and take short naps when you can.
• Take a break from looking after the children. Ask for help from friends or relatives to take care of the children even for a short time once a week to get some time for yourself.
• Talk to someone. Sharing your worries is a great stress reducer!
• Learn some ways of unwinding to manage tension. Simple daily stretching exercises help relieve muscular tension. Vigorous walking, aerobics or sports are excellent ways for some people to unwind and work off tension; others find deep-breathing exercises are a fast, easy and effective way to control physical and mental tension.
• If you are feeling pressured, tensed or drawn out at the end of a busy day, say so. Tell your children calmly that you will be happy to give them some attention soon but first you need a short "quiet time" so that you can relax.
• Practice time management. Set aside time to spend with the children, time for yourself, and time for your spouse and/or friends. Learn to say "no" to requests that interfere with these important times. Cut down on outside activities that cause the family to feel rushed.
  

Tips For Children Of All Ages

• Be sensitive.
• Protect your child from the stressor, if possible.
• Show affection (e.g. hugs).
• Spend time with your child.
• Encourage stress-reducing activities (e.g. laughter, exercise).
• Promote adequate rest.
• Provide structure and routine.
• Plan quiet time into each day. Simplify your child's schedule.
• Offer nutritious meals.
• Reassure your child that his reactions are normal, and that all children have pressures/stress.
• Be a good listener.
• Provide a spiritual base.
• Help your child develop supportive friendships.
• Give positive feedback often. Praise her accomplishments.
• Have realistic expectations.
• Be a good role model. Show positive stress-management skills.
• Tell your child you will always be there... and then be there.
  

Young Child

• Offer crayons and paper so she can scribble or draw her feelings.
• Provide security objects (e.g. blanket, stuffed toy).
• Play games that help your child with stressor (e.g. peek-a-boo for separation issues).
• Be silly. Tickle each other. Do things your child will think are funny.
• Try having your child act out his feelings with puppets or stuffed animals.
• Teach her to separate from the stress (e.g. count to 10, put herself on a time-out, listen to music).

Older Child

• Tell your child you have noticed something is bothering him.
• Try "20 questions" if you are not certain what is bothering her.
• Encourage role-play.
• Provide markers and paper. Look for clues in his artwork.
• Help her think through the consequences of her actions.
• Teach relaxation techniques (e.g. deep breathing).
• Be direct. Sidestepping an issue only makes the stress worse.
• Watch a funny movie together, and laugh aloud.
  

Teen

• Suggest journaling - keep a regular diary.
• Teach meditation techniques
• Help him "take a break" from his stress.
• Talk with her about her feelings and concerns in a non-judgmental way.
• Help your child think positively.
• Share 60 ways to relax.
• Help him develop a low-stress lifestyle.

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