Helping children overcome stress: how to support their mental health in difficult times

We live in challenging times when stress has become a constant part of our lives. Children are particularly vulnerable to it, and their traumatic experiences often manifest as anger, fear or anxiety. Children may suddenly scream, respond rudely, or even slam doors, and then feel guilty about their behavior. This is a normal reaction to stress and trauma. For example, a child who has lost a loved one may get angry over trivial things without realizing that it is the pain that is causing this reaction.

What should parents do? The main thing is not to quarrel at the moment of an outburst of anger. It doesn't mean that the child doesn't love you or is badly brought up. This is his or her way of coping with the trauma. If you can stay calm, the child will feel your support and realize that you are ready to help him or her cope with emotions. Try to talk about what is bothering them and gently suggest how to better control their behavior.

We have prepared useful tips from a psychologist and collected effective techniques to help your children cope with stress and control their emotions. Check them out in the carousel of the post and practice these exercises with your children to support their mental health.

Exercises to help fight stress.

1. Exercise "Axe"

Put your palms together, this is your axe, as you inhale, put it behind your head, as you exhale, make a big ki-ya! Cut the air until you feel better.

2. My happy place

I can hear... (music, voices of birds, animals, silence)

I see.... (nature, people, animals, objects, colors)

I can touch....(fabric, skin, plant, tool, toy, liquid)

I can taste....(sweetness, bitterness, spice, food, mint)

I can smell... (perfume, flowers, food, pool)

3. How to secretly relieve yourself of tension

Press your thumb on the pad of each finger in turn until the level of tension decreases and you feel calm.

4. 4. color therapy

The child often "hangs" in the past, ceasing to pay attention to the current day. The experience of a difficult past is transferred to reality. His or her gaze seems to be directed inward. We show the child the "passage of time" and focus on each day, reviving feelings. For example, each day is given a certain color, let's say Wednesday is red. Throughout the day, we look for red objects, eat red foods, wear red clothes, and add accessories of this color. On the rest of the days - other colors of the rainbow. In this way, the child enriches his or her mood with a spectrum of colors and sees the diversity of the world around them.

Practicing exercises together will not only help you cope with stress, but also bring you closer together, creating an atmosphere of love and support in the family. Remember that together you can overcome all difficulties, and your warm attitude and attention will be the best medicine for your child.