Be Strong Together: Stress

• PARENTS GUIDE to (FOMO) Fear Of Missing Out: SAC Website
• CDC: Helping Children Cope with Emergencies

Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.

Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include:

• Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
• Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
• Excessive worry or sadness
• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
• Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
• Poor school performance or avoiding school
• Difficulty with attention and concentration
• Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
• Unexplained headaches or body pain
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

There are many things you can do to support your child

• Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
• Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
• Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
• Be a role model.  Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

Learn more about helping children cope.

How stress affects your body - Sharon Horesh Bergquist https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=v-t1Z5-oPtU&feature=emb_logo

• Sleep - be sure you are getting enough!
• Eat regularly
• BREATHE!!
• Take a walk - research shows that even a short walk outside reduces stress
• Practice relaxation exercises including muscle relaxation techniques, abdominal breathing, or meditation
• Exercise
• Take a break - read a book, listen to music, draw a picture, play catch, dance, do something you love and makes you happy
• Spend time with friends and family
• HAVE SOME FUN!
• Laugh
• Talk with someone about your thoughts and feelings
• Enjoy some quiet time with a pet - did you know that petting an animal reduces stress?
• Turn off screens 1-2 hours before bed (computer, phone, tv)
• Focus on what you can control
• Set small goals that can be accomplished
• Practice or role-play situations that cause stress
• Create balance in your life and schedule
• BE KIND TO YOURSELF - realize that you don't have to be perfect; that while academics are important, remind yourself that your worth is not based on your grades, how you do on a test, or how well you perform in other areas of your life; you are wonderful and valuable and important because you are YOU!