For more tips, see expert advice below.
Tests making your child anxious? Here are some helpful tips
Classroom quizzes, state-regulated tests and college entrance exams can take a toll on children’s mental health, regardless of their age or academic level.
So if you're concerned your child may be getting anxious, look for signs such as trouble sleeping, irritability, difficulty concentrating and restlessness. Then try these tips:
- Relieve some of the pressure by making sure your child understands it’s OK not to be perfect.
- Encourage your child to express their feelings.
- Ensure your child fits in time to relax, such as enjoying yoga, coloring or other calming activities.
- Create a consistent schedule that includes a good night’s sleep.
- Stay calm. Your child is watching you to determine how to respond to their anxiety.
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It’s never too early to talk about drugs, alcohol
Experts say it’s important to start talking early on to your children about drugs and alcohol, before peer pressure sets in.
“The easiest message to give children of all ages is to model appropriate drinking behavior,” says Jan Cairnes of the Hanley Foundation in West Palm Beach. “For example, have a glass of wine with dinner, not a bottle; have a beer, not a six-pack.”
When talking to young children, don’t quote statistics or news reports. Instead, simply say that drugs and alcohol are bad for growing bodies and brains.
Build an open and honest relationship with your children, without secrets or shame. This way they’ll know that no matter what happens, they can come to you for help or advice – especially as their lives get more complicated.
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Prepare today for hard conversations with your kids
It can be hard to talk with your kids when something upsetting is going on in your home. Preparing today will make it easier in the future. Here are some tips:
- Choose a safe space in your home for open, honest conversation.
- Promise to respect each other’s opinions, without yelling or being judgmental.
- Use the safe space to talk about positive and encouraging topics, such as your child's creativity, interests and abilities, as often as the tough subjects.
- When having conversations about tough subjects, thank your child for agreeing to hold this safe space so you can discuss something that's been on your mind.
- Make your list of things that are important to everyone in the family. This might include something like a no-smartphone zone or a drama-free area.
For more advice on children's behavior, sign up or log in to EveryParent below.
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