10 Activities To Help Reduce Your Child's Stress

1 Breathing - Encourage deep breathing - in through the nose and out slowly through the mouth.

2 Massage - Massage your child's temples, hands, feet, back or shoulders. Try this before bed or while watching TV.

3 Walking - When your child is feeling stressed, take out 10 mins and walk to the park or around the block. Walking in the wind and rain really can de-stress and energise.

4 Getting Arty - Have a box full of relaxing activities such as colouring, modelling clay and craft kits.

5 Chilling Out - Try to make a Chill Out space in your home. Encourage your child to visit this place daily.

6 Writing - If your child is older, they may like to write down their thoughts and feelings. Encourage them to write daily and let out all their inner stress on the page. If there is something particularly bothering them, they could write out what it is and then scrunch up the paper and throw it away.

7 Affirming - Affirming 'I am calm' 'I am peaceful' 'I am quiet' 'I am serene' Just by repeating and thinking these words, your child will find him or herself getting into a more restful space. You may like to play the Relax Kids I am wonderful affirmation CD

8 Eating - Making sure your child gets plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and reducing the amount manufactured food eaten, will ensure that their bodies are well stocked up with all the necessary nutrients to stay balanced and fight viruses.

9 Drinking Make sure your child stays hydrated with plenty of water and fresh juices and avoids sugar laden drinks.

10 Listening - Calming music can have positive effect on children as it stimulates the Alpha brainwaves. At the end of the day, try to play classical/ relaxation music or Relax Kids CDs. A great CD to listen to is Shining Stars or Nature CD as they teach children very simple relaxation techniques.

By: Marneta Viegas

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