by Lisa Redmond, a graduate of Southwest Institute of Healing Arts' Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Mind/Body Transformational Psychology and the Master Practitioner of Hypnotherapy and Life Coaching programs.

Children experience many changes and challenges that can cause stress and upset their world to the point of emotional outbursts, restlessness, sleeplessness, anxiety and even panic attacks. These are all symptoms of stress that must be dealt with on a very sensitive level.

Oftentimes children feel the need to please their parents, teachers, coaches and other individuals with whom they look up to. They also tend to seek approval from their peers. This can mean being invited to sleepovers, birthday parties or participating in sporting events or competitions. While these are healthy parts of development, if not kept in perspective, can damage self-esteem and create unnecessary stress.

Children often have a hard time expressing their feeling in words and connecting the dots from an event to their feelings. This can be very frustrating to a caring parent who wants nothing more than to make it all better for their child. Here are a few tips to assist you in helping your child manage their own stress.

1. Find out who they think is the most powerful superhero they can imagine. Try asking, “What would (superhero) do in this situation?” This will allow them to get some creative ideas to help break them out of their mindset. Gently guide them into positive thinking, being careful not to discount their thoughts. Your child may even be able to realize that what they were stressing about isn’t so bad.
2. Encourage your child to spend quiet time listening to their inner thoughts. You might choose to do some breathing exercises with them. 
3. Promote the importance of exercise. Keep in mind that too much activity can be a source of stress as well. There’s plenty of relaxing, inward exercises that you can do together such as yoga, tai chi or even taking walks.
4. Gather information about whatever it is that they may be stressing about and share it with them. You may find stories of other kids who experienced the same sort of situations or feelings and what worked for them. The more supportive you can be, the more they will appreciate your efforts. 
5. Take some time to observe the different environments that your child encounters on a regular basis. Look at your home, their classroom and their peers. What kind of pressures are being put on them, are they appropriate and what pressures are they putting on themselves?
6. Lead by example. This is probably the hardest for parents to do, and the most important. When we are able to manage our stress in a healthy way, our children are more capable of learning these same healthy skills. It is important to know that you are the best parent for your child, and they will follow your lead.

Lisa Redmond is the owner of True Self Connection, LLC. She works with families and children, specializing in building self-esteem and confidence. You can reach Lisa at 602-680-6700.