Parent's Guide To Recognizing (Stress)
By Katharine Kersey (p.55-73)

http://www.youthchg.com/index.html

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According to "Helping Your Child Handle Stress The Parent's Guide To Recognizing And Solving Childhood Problems" by Katharine Kersey (p.55-73), as parents we want our children to become lifetime learners, to be curious, ask questions, search for answers, and read books well beyond the time when they are required to do so. Unfortunately, however, for many children the school experience is so painful that they equate "learning" with "school" and, early on, give up on both. This can happen when parents are not ready or able to let go of their child, to let him grow up, or consider what is best for him/her.

To become a Parent Stressbuster!, especially for children who stress about school, children generally do better when parents:

1) Provide a quiet place for study without TV or radio.

2) Provide a model for intellectual curiousity (reading, questioning, discussing, and problem solving).

3) Read to the child.

4) Call out spelling and multiplication tables, when asked.

5) Talk to and listen to the child.

6) Show an interest in his work.

7) Engage the child in kitchen, basement, garage, and sports' math. (How many tablespoons do I need  for one-half cup of butter?)

8) Ask the child many questions which he can answer or work to find the problem.

9) Praise the child for appropriate behaviors and keep a positive attitude about school.

10) Take the time talk and listen.

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Helping Children Manage Stress By Ron Kerner for GuidanceChannel.com
 

Since each of us responds differently to people and events, stress can be caused by anything from the weather forecast, to a school exam, to a party. Some common causes of stress for children at school include:

1) Demands from teachers;grades, exams, homework;

2) Teasing by other children;

3) Fear of physical harm at or on the way to school;

4) Insecurity about one's looks, clothing, athletic ability, etc.;

5) Rejection by friends, girlfriend or boyfriend;

6) Death or suicide of another child; pressure to use drugs and alcohol;

7) Pressure to join a group or gang; starting a new term or new school;

8) Moving to a new neighborhood.

 

Solutions for Stressors in Children Wholistic Stress Control Institute, Inc. (WSCI)

http://www.wholistic1.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28:stress-and-children&catid=4:stress-reduction-information&Itemid=3

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1) Talk with children about their feelings and concerns.

2) Allow a child to have his/her feelings and listen to the child.

3) Let the child know that you are afraid or nervous sometimes too.

4) Don't overschedule the child.

5) Be honest with the child about what is going on.

6) Help prepare the child for changes.

7) Provide the child with a bit of extra security before potentially stressful situations.

8) Teach the child relaxation exercises to use when he feels tense.

9) Set aside a special time for you and your child.

10) Create a sense of belonging and companionship for the child.

11) Set clear and consistent limits for the child's behavior.

12) Love, hug and be direct with the child.

13) Help children to use their imagination to think positively.

14) Help children to use their anger positively.

15) Praise children for their accomplishments and efforts. Help them develop a sense of self-worth.

16) Make sure children eat a nutritious meal, get plenty of exercise, and have a good night's sleep.

17) Examine your own coping skills. When a child displays symptoms of stress, evaluate his/her outlets for expression.

18) When persistent disturbing behavior continues, consult a physician.

 

For more information, contact: Wholistic Stress Control Institute, Inc. (WSCI) 2545 Benjamin E. Mays Drive, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30311-0481 Phone: (404) 755-0068 FAX: (404) 755-4333 Internet e-mail: wholistic@mindspring.com

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