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Stress
has made in-roads into the teen years. The problems of coping with
exams, the need to score high enough marks to say ahead of the large
and competitive pack, the confusions of a changing body and emotional
highs and lows all contribute to stress. The lives of today's teenagers
are complicated also because of changing social values, which often
conflict with parental dictums. There are also the pressures of
fitting in and looking good. The beauty pageants (both Miss and
Mr. India) set up unrealistic expectations in the minds of a child
and there is no way that his body will completely match those expectations.
How
can a parent make a difference? Well firstly understand that fears
and worries are an essential part of growing up. The child does
not at this stage have sufficient experience to put his fears in
perspective. You will have to do that using yourself and others
as real life examples.
There are some effective stress busters that you can teach your
children: -
- Teach
your children to stand up to peer pressure.
- Be
their friend and non-judgmental confidante. This will help to
lower the stress levels by providing a caring support structure.
- Positive
thinking - a child who only sees the worst in everything is more
likely to suffer from stress related problems like depression
or insomnia.
- Faith
- teach your children to believe in something or somebody - not
to rescue them but to give them strength in moments of crises.
- Happy
memories - there are essential stress busters. A child without
a storehouse of happy memories is vulnerable to stress.
- Regular
exercise - it raises the endorphin levels in the brain making
the child feel happier. It is also great for raising poor self-esteem
related to poor body image.
- Critical
and analytical thinking - a child, who cannot break up a problem
into its more manageable components, is more likely to feel overwhelmed
and unable to cope.
- Encourage
a child to work and earn a little pocket money.
- Boost
your child's Self-confidence
- Help
the child develop a hobby.
-
Encourage friendships.
| Teach
him techniques of simple meditation. Or simply ask him
to breath deeply whenever he is feeling stressed.
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All
the above are long term measures. In addition if you feel your child
is getting stressed out try these instant remedies.
- Go
for a walk with her.
- Listen
to happy music together.
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Dance together.
- Tell
jokes or laugher of any kind.
- Pamper
the child.
- Go
on a surprise trip a picnic.
- Talk
it out.
- Take
a break and work together or clean up the room.
| Working
and earning her own pocket money give her a feeling of
being in control and not totally dependent upon circumstances.
It contributes substantially to self-esteem. |
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