Stress spares no one, regardless of age. Children experience it just as often as adults. As parents, and as older individuals with more knowledge and experience, we can help children by limiting stressful situations and creating a friendly, calm, and safe environment with proper conditions for their growth. How can we reduce the impact of stress on a child?

Routine

While some people dislike routines, a partially fixed daily schedule provides peace and stability for many. If a child is prone to stress, it is worth setting consistent times at home for various activities: play, responsibilities, homework, meals, and sleep. It’s a good idea to involve the child in planning: choose a day together to organize upcoming days. Write down all upcoming tests and exams in the child’s presence so they know in advance when to expect more studying or a difficult challenge.

Shared time

People, especially growing children, naturally need contact with others. As parents, we should avoid situations where we deliberately isolate ourselves and keep children at a distance. As much as possible, give the child access to your presence so that when they feel the need, they can spend time with you in the same room. Our presence provides them with safety and peace. This doesn’t mean doing everything together; we should be able to sense when we’re overdoing it or when we’re not giving them enough attention.

Time just for the child

To follow the previous advice, we must be careful not to go to extremes. A child may also need moments for themselves, to be alone. As parents, we must ensure they don’t feel trapped or overwhelmed. If a child wants to play without us, let them, without too much control. Only when a child’s desire for isolation, such as staying in their room all the time, raises doubts that something might be wrong should we talk to them—without pressuring.

Outdoor activity

Walks and frequent outdoor play have a very positive effect on well-being, and the same goes for children. Plan a family walk, a bike trip, or simply let the child play in the yard. Being in nature is relaxing, and spending time with animals further reduces stress. If there is a dog, cat, or another pet at home, allow the child to spend time with them – playing with animals calms and relieves tension.

Acceptance of failures and unpleasant events

Many parents make the mistake, often unintentionally, of raising their children in protective bubbles. Such children struggle more with failure and have difficulty accepting harsh reality, which causes stress and frustration. To prepare children for life, it’s important to teach them from an early age that not everything will go their way and they will sometimes face obstacles. Another valuable lesson is learning to accept stress—show them the benefits it can bring (motivation). Stress is an inevitable part of human life and a consequence of our actions. It is worth teaching children to live with it and draw motivation from it.