Know how to recognize the causes and signs of this common problem in kids.
Anxiety is an all-too-common problem faced by children today. As with adults, children respond differently to stress depending on their age, individual personalities, and coping skills.
Childhood stress can manifest with difficult behavior, and it is important for parents to recognize the signs of stress and to look for the possible causes.
Some common signs of stress and anxiety include:
- Complaints of stomach aches or headaches
- Sleep problems or nightmares
- Bedwetting
- Getting into trouble at school
Note: If you suspect that a change in the family such as a new sibling, a move, divorce, or a death of a family member is behind your child’s stress and anxiety, seek advice from an expert such as your child’s school counselor, your pediatrician, or a child therapist.
Quick Stress-Relief Ideas for Kids
Plan fun activities you can enjoy together such as:
- snuggling together with a book
- massage
- playing a favorite game
- deep breathing exercises. Encourage your child to breathe in “good” air and exhale “bad” air, and picture it carrying any worries out of their body.
- do some yoga poses with your kids. Simple yoga poses such as downward dog, cobra, and tree are excellent for kids
For something that has longer term benefits – perhaps try something different such as Brazilian Toe Massage (BTM) – so called because it originated from Brazil and involves a light touch to each of the toes.
BTM is a simple 15-minute routine, based on 10,000-year-old Chinese Meridians, that is fast acting and gentle enough for even small children.
Brazilian Toe Massage has been known to get a tantrum-throwing child to fall sleep in 15 minutes.
Find out more at www.BrazilianToeMassage.com
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