Help your children cope with stress.

Even young children experience stress. The stress can arise from social pressures or trying to live up to expectations, etc. Although you cannot protect your child from stress, you can help your child develop healthy ways to cope. Here are five helpful steps that you can take to help your child:

1. Identify feelings is an important step to dealing with stress. When you notice your child is not happy, prompt or help them to describe what they are feeling. Give each feeling a name.
2. Listen carefully and calmly when your child tells you what's wrong. Ensure your child knows that you take their feelings seriously by acknowledging them. Children who feel 'heard' are more likely to control their anger or frustration.
3. Introduce your child to the simple 'tapping' routine used in this book. Substitute the feelings described within with those that your child is experiencing. 'Tapping' is an internationally proven method that uses ritual and rhythm to lower stress.
4. Once the child has calmed down, discuss possible solutions with your child, but don't do all the work. Your child's active participation will build confidence.
5. Once you feel the issue is resolved, introduce a positive topic and move on.

Seek advice from a family member, teacher or health professional if you think that your child needs further help.