Radio Commentary
Children cope better with stress in
their lives when they don’t feel helpless. So teach them how to care for
themselves and take on family responsibilities as they grow.
Show them to balance chores and
play. Help them plan schedules that are do-able. Show them the importance of
adequate rest and proper nutrition. These precautions help prevent stress from
erupting in the first place.
Encourage
your children to ask for help when they need it, analyze their problems as they
arise, and plan their alternatives for coping.
It’s been
demonstrated that children who enjoy learning have good defenses against
stress, so encourage your children to do their best in schools.
But remember that too much academic
pressure is a chief cause of childhood stress, so don’t go overboard.
If you
child is having a problem at school, support the school’s efforts to correct
the problems.
Confide in your child’s teachers
and principal if you sense there is a problem with stress.
These professionals are trained at
mixing coping skills into classroom activities like group discussions, role
playing, films and problem-solving exercises.
Keeping in
touch with a child’s school is an important safeguard for combating stress.
