By Bill Mulcahy, Head of Lower School
It seems like everywhere we turn, we are bombarded with data on stress and anxiety, and how adults and children are experiencing far higher levels of stress and anxiety than a generation ago, and in some cases, than a few years ago. The American Psychological Association puts out an annual survey, Stress In America, that measures attitudes and perceptions of stress, and how these attitudes change year over year. The survey, which is administered to adults eighteen and over, shows significant stressors that adults have felt over the past few years, including increased political and social polarization, economic uncertainty, and global conflict. Simply put, many adults are struggling to manage stress, particularly at a time when there are many perceived stressors. Making this more complicated is the fact that research also shows a connection between parent and child stress, demonstrating that parental stress can impact children’s behavior and emotional regulation. So, as parents, one of the best ways we can help our students with their stress is by taking care of ourselves and managing our own stress. Below are other ways we can help our children manage stress:
- Create a safe and nurturing environment: This work begins at home and can be done through prioritizing safety and security, establishing routines, and promoting positive interactions, to name a few.
- Encourage open communication: Communication is key, and parents can support by listening actively, validating emotions, asking open-ended questions, and modeling open communication, so that having open conversations is normalized for your children.
- Teach healthy coping skills: Parents can help with healthy coping by incorporating breathing and mindfulness routines at home, and by encouraging physical activity and creative expression (art, music, writing etc.) at home.
- Model healthy stress management: It’s critical, as I shared above, for parents to take care of themselves, and model self-care so that it is clearly modeled for children.
- Get support when needed: Chronic stress can impact children’s lives and can be supported by professionals in the community.