Eagle Flyer pg 6

Stress in Children and Adolescents: Tips for Parents, Con’t

 

Factors That Help Prevent Stress, Con’t

• Positive problem solving and coping skills.

• • Ability to express feelings appropriately.

• Feeling physically and emotionally safe.

• Good nutrition and exercise.

• Time to relax or do recreational activities.

How Parents Can Help

• Be aware of your child’s behaviors and emotions.

• Build trust with your child.

• Be available and open to talk when your child is ready. If family circumstances are contributing to

the stress, be willing to answer questions honestly and calmly.

• Encourage the expression of feelings.

• Teach and model good emotional responses.

• Encourage your child to tell you if he or she feels overwhelmed.

• Encourage healthy and diverse friendships.

• Encourage physical activity, good nutrition, and rest.

• Teach your child to problem solve.

• Keep your child aware of anticipated family changes, in an age-appropriate way. Acknowledge

that change can feel uncomfortable but reassure him or her that the family will be okay.

• Do not hide the truth from your child. Children sense parents’ worry and the unknown can be

scarier than the truth. However, avoid unnecessary discussions in front of your child (particularly

a young child) of events or circumstances that might increase his or her stress.

• Help your child have a part in decision-making when appropriate.

• Remind your child of his or her ability to get through tough times, particularly with the love and

support of family and friends.

• Monitor television programs that could worry your child and pay attention to the use of computer

games, movies, and the Internet.

• Use encouragement and natural consequences when poor decisions are made.

• Help your child select appropriate extracurricular activities and limit overscheduling.

• Make your child aware of the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol before experimentation begins.

• Monitor your own stress level. Take care of yourself.

• Contact your child’s teacher with any concerns and make them part of the team available to

assist your child.

• Seek the assistance of a physician, school psychologist, school counselor, or school social worker

if stress continues to be a concern.

Adapted from: "Stress in Children: Strategies for Parents and Educators," by Ellis P. Copeland, in Helping

Children at Home and School II: Handouts for Families and Educators, NASP, 2004. The full handout is

available online at http://www.nasponline.org/families.

©2008—National Association of School Psychologists – 4340 East West Highway, Suite 402,

Bethesda, MD 20814, www.nasponline.org

Annual BBQ and Intermediate Field Day

             Our annual BBQ lunch will be held on Friday, June 12th.  After lunch, our intermediate students will be participating in field day.  Primary students will have their field day on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 17th.  If you would like to volunteer to help on either day, please contact the Booster Club at mdeparentclub@yahoo.com or call the school.