KIDS MD
STRESS MANAGEMENT By Dr. Joseph Kahn
A
s the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we are all experiencing unusual amounts of stress, regardless of our age. Stress is our body’s natural response to life’s challenges, and the novel coronavirus has delivered plenty of them – including to kids. A little stress helps kids finish homework and compete in athletics. However, too many stressors or a poor response to them may result in dysfunction and telltale signs families shouldn’t ignore. Signs of stress in babies include fussiness or poor feeding or sleeping. Toddlers may have tantrums or difficulty learning or sleeping. Older children and teens may have physical symptoms such as headaches or pains, or symptoms of depression or anxiety. Children are affected by life changes just like adults. They sense their parents’ moods and pick up on parental stress levels. Changes in routine, problems with friends, bullying, problems in
school and the bodily changes of adolescence are all stressors for kids. So how can we help our kids manage these stressors, especially now? A few suggestions follow: Manage your family’s lifestyle. Eat well, get plenty of sleep, practice good personal hygiene, be active and get enough exercise. Get outside and enjoy the sun and fresh air. If winter weather keeps you inside, get moving indoors! Dancing, yoga and games like Twister provide great physical activity any time of year. Maintain routine. Consistency is essential for kids’ well-being at all ages. It’s comforting to know what to expect. Help your kids address problems. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so teach them to break down problems into smaller, more manageable steps. Teach organization with tools such as checklists, notebooks and calendars. Devote time to your children individually and as a family group. Share your time and talents.
It’s Your Lucky Day!
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Dr. Joseph Kahn is president of Mercy Kids (mercykids.org), an expansive network of pediatric care dedicated to meeting the needs of every child, every day.
As seen in St. Louis Magazine and endorsed by KMOX
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Talk about their days, joys and concerns. Remind them often that you love them greatly and that your love for them is unconditional. Listen to them. Enjoy hobbies and activities. Learn what they like, and do it with them. Show them the things that make you happy and more content. Help others. Be generous with your time, and teach your kids to do the same. Finally, get support when needed for your children and yourself. It’s important to teach children from an early age that seeking help and support is a sign of strength – not weakness. For more information or to find a pediatrician near you, visit mercy.net/laduenews.
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