How can we help our kids manage stress?
Success in testing and in academics more broadly has an enormous psychological element. Student self-confidence is a key component of achievement - and self-confidence can be severely impacted by stress. In addition to their already-stressful academic loads, students are also confronted by several parallel and overlapping sources of anxiety: Covid, both lingering trauma and the pandemic’s ongoing menace; the war in Ukraine; and persistent climate change. As adults, we (typically) have coping mechanisms for compartmentalizing these additional stressors and making sure that they don’t interfere with our daily work, but children don’t necessarily have those tools. Here are several things you can do to help your kids stay healthy and focused during a remarkably stressful moment.
Talk it out. Just because they’re not saying anything doesn’t mean that they’re not suffering. Ask the question - “how are you doing?” and then really listen for the response. Be prepared for a surprise - if you’re asking just to check the box, it won’t be effective communication. Share your own thoughts about what’s going on around us - how it’s impacting you and what you’re doing to adjust.
Get outside. Going for a walk or even sitting in nature are sure ways of decreasing stress and increasing focus. Make sure your kids are spending some time outside - even if it’s just a quick walk around the block between homework assignments.
Limit screen time. The internet offers up an infinite source of information, which is both helpful and stressful. Make sure that your kids are putting their devices away long before bedtime, and model that same behavior yourselves.
Get involved. Overcome feelings of helplessness by doing something. It doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful - make a contribution to a local food bank; plant a tree in your neighborhood; volunteer at a soup kitchen.
Get help. If you get a sense that your child is struggling to an unusual degree, reach out for help. Talk with their counselor at school, who can advocate on your student’s behalf for appropriate academic support and accommodations. Consider asking your pediatrician for a referral to a mental health professional.
Our team constantly monitors the well-being of our students and communicates any issues to their families to find collaborative solutions. You’re not in this alone - we’ll get through it together!