Stressed, our children? We can help them ...

The children of the sponges. They detect stress in adults more than we can think. And let's face it, the abnormal conditions of the coronavirus pandemic have turned their daily lives upside down. Put simply, the pandemic has turned their lives upside down, changed their routine, cut off their activities and their social life. And going back to school this year is a bit more special, as most of the kids haven't been there for a long time. A return to social and active life, at a pace similar to that before, when life was put on hold for a few months. Ouffff…

And to this we add an uncertainty that hangs over the coming months. Will they be able to stay in school, or will they be grafted back to screens?

It is very important to consider that stress can directly or indirectly affect all physical and psychological aspects of a person, and that too much stress makes things worse.

Here are some methods that may be useful for parents to manage to relieve the stress that our children, more or less old, are going through in September 2020.

1. Communicate with your children

A first step would be to explain to them that the situation is only temporary. Just knowing that what we are going through will not last forever can go a long way in calming children down and alleviating their fears.

Let the child speak, ask them what they think about the situation, and ask them to speak out. This way, you can reassure your children, communicate to them that you understand them and maybe see if they do not have a mistaken or exaggerated perception of the current reality.

2. Stay positive

Sponges I said yes, sponges. Children feel our stress and experience it in turn. So a positive attitude will have a big impact on our children. They will also be much more so in their turn..

It may not be easy for us adults to stay positive and optimistic, but with time and patience it can be learned. And it’s so much nicer.

3. Create a routine

Everything has been turned upside down in the last few months, and we are trying to restart the machine. What could be better than a routine. It's reassuring to have a routine.

4. Get moving and have fun

Moving is scientifically proven to greatly reduce stress and anxiety, so get your kids moving, and why not move with them?

5. Meditation or yoga

Meditation in children (older and smaller, also wonderful with adolescents) is very useful in helping them to reduce their states of stress and anxiety, and to increase their well-being, calm and concentration. It can be used to help children recognize their emotions, improve their self-esteem, etc.

The meditation period can be as short as a minute, or up to ten minutes as children get used to it, and can be done from as young as 3 years old.

The meditation periods can be varied: listening to and describing ambient noises, describing what we feel in our body, bringing a doggie up and down on our stomach while breathing, etc.

And yoga, a great exercise for them to practice, which makes them aware of their body and what is going on around them.

Everything should be fun for children and should not be imposed. Who knows, maybe they'll develop a routine over time?

6. They must be rested

A good nights sleep and rest go a long way in managing emotions. Make sure your children get enough sleep for their age. We all had a baby who was too tired and cried all the time because he couldn't understand himself. Older, they may cry less, but experience their emotions in a different way. Anxiety and stress are much less manageable when we lack sleep (yes, that also applies to us adults !!!)

Another point not to be overlooked is the screens before bed. It’s a NO at least 1 hour with bedtime. Blue light from screens affects the quality of sleep. So a routine of quiet reading is better than a game in front of a screen.

Here is a table that helps to judge the number of hours of sleep needed on average per day:

* In some tropical cultures, older children and adults take daily naps. Table adapted fromNational Sleep Foundation.

7. Take time for yourself

It is by taking some time for yourself without feeling guilty that you will be able to be mentally available to your children. Bye bye guilt!

References :

1. https://douglas.research.mcgill.ca/en/sommeil-et-enfant-donnees-scientistiques

 Article written by Audrée Hogue