REDUCING WORKPLACE STRESS IN CHILDREN

Often we think that only adults suffer from workplace stress. Children can have the same anxiety related to their work: going to school. There are many things parents can do to relieve stress for their children.

Consider the following areas of concern:

Academic testing. If your child is experiencing severe school stress, ask for comprehensive academic testing to determine if it is a learning disability. If your school does not do this, find an independent learning specialist. The process could be costly, but the expenditure will be worth it.

Physical testing. Have your child examined by a doctor to rule out the possibility that a medical problem could be at the root of the stress. Allergies, chronic infections, hearing problems, poor eyesight, and certain medications can all affect a child's attitude about school.

A stress-free classroom. Does the teacher like your child and treat him/her with dignity and respect? Is the atmosphere in the classroom relaxed yet business-like?

A safe and orderly school. Is discipline consistent? Are the school and bus safe and clean?

A circle of friends. Does your child have a group of friends in the classroom and the lunchroom? Teach your child simple friendship behaviors and manners that will help him/her to make friends at school.

Keep it simple. Simplify and streamline your home life. Start saying no to distractions and build in more time for family fun and one-on-one child/parent time.

Learn together. Sign up for a parent/child class and be a learner with your child. Whether you learn to swim, rollerskate, or use the computer, doing it together will build memories as well as a meaningful relationship. (Be prepared for your child to be more skilled than you are.)

Say good-bye. Sometimes you have to face the reality that a bad situation will never improve. That's the time to withdraw and choose another schooling option. Remember that your child's academic success for a lifetime may be at stake.

Coping techniques. Structure activities to help your child cope with his/her fears and anxieties. For example, teach test-taking strategies to eliminate test anxiety, or practice dealing with teasing on the playground through role-playing.

Composure. Don't over-react to your child's complaints, feigned sicknesses, or dire interpretations of school events. Listen to their concerns and consider each issue in the greater context of the day. Show your child how to accurately put things into perspective.

An apple for the teacher. Support the efforts of your child's teacher and help your child see the positive attributes of his/her teacher.

Read to me. The most valuable activity you can share with your child is to read aloud. Do it every day, no excuses. Quietly read together. Read stories about courage and bravery, fears and anxieties, silly things and important things.

Dining in. Eat together and talk. Turn the TV off and listen to each other.

See your child as he/she will become. Think about who they will become and not just as they are. Believe in them, support them, and encourage them, especially when they are experiencing school stress.

Sweet dreams. Make sure your child's sleeping schedule is as regular as possible. Stick to a regular bedtime and use pre-bed chats and prayers to prepare them for a healthy sleep.

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