How Do You Comfort A Stressed Child?
A 2-year-old dropped off at day care may miss her mother, a 6-year-old may have a squabble on the playground and worry about making friends, a 10-year-old may feel anxious about making the team. As children get older, the social and academic pressures increase–and so does the stress. Teens have a myriad of worries from anxiety about fitting in with peers, to exams, to balancing a part-time job, to free time. Stress occurs when a situation feels difficult or unmanageable–and kids deal with stress in both healthy and unhealthy ways. While they may not initiate a conversation about what’s bothering them, they do want their parents to understand the pressures and help them cope. Here are some ways to do it. Show Affection Daily. Give Hugs. Hold Hands. Studies show that a comforting hug or pat on the back is reassuring and reduces stress hormones. A growing body of research suggests, however, that children and teens are touch deprived. We’re never too old to be comforted by a gentle touch
