Kid Stuff

When I think back to being a child, I find the biggest worries on my plate were if I could get home before the street lights came on for curfew, a skinned knee, getting a ride to my friend’s house, and maybe a spelling test or a big project coming up.  The kids I interact with these days can rattle off a laundry list comparable to that of an adult!  Money worries, scheduling (music lessons, sports, “play dates”, study group, volunteering, etc.), masses of homework, answering emails/texts, what peers say and think about them, wardrobe choices and options- the list goes on.  Sound familiar?  When did adult problems become kid stuff?

It’s a changing world and yes, our children need to adapt and change with it, but where do we draw the line and just encourage our children to be just that- children.  It’s important to help your child find a balance.  Kids cant always verbalize what they are feeling and cannot always communicate that they are stressed.  Stress in children can look like tantrums, stomach problems, sleep disturbance, outbursts, headaches, and isolating, among other symptoms depending on the child’s age and individual personality and development.

First: Talk to your child; see what is stressful and what is fun, knowing that fun things can become stressful when there is too much going on.  It may be hard to choose what stays and what goes, but limiting activities and responsibilities can help more than most realize.  Second: Encourage your child to be creative and imaginative; take time every day to have true down time.  This means no electronics, no cell phone, no TV.  Recharge!  Lastly: If you notice some of the negative stress signs in your child and are having trouble helping them, there is no shame in reaching out for a little extra help.  That is what we are here for!