A healthy way to reduce stress is to manage it together, as a family.
Here you’ll find inspiring ways to create a calmer home environment. Pick up stress-busting strategies you can use as a family, from deep breathing and problem-solving to how to tame worries.
You’ll learn healthy living and relaxation techniques that help children (and adults!) feel more in control of their feelings, thoughts and actions.
And focus on your own well-being, so you have the internal resources to try and keep stress at bay, and to help restore a sense of balance when stressors hit.
Practice these stress reduction skills and healthy habits and the whole family will have the skills ready to try when they need them!
Answers from a Psychologist
One thing that’s changed a lot for many children and youth is access to the internet and social media. This can make life more complex these days.
Children and youth experience social media in a wide range of ways, both in healthy and unhealthy ways. Sometimes it can feel as if there is no “off-switch", and these platforms can amplify everyday stressors.
For tips on developing healthy technology habits in your family, listen to our Keeping Tech in Check podcast.
Another cause of family stress is having too much to do. Can you schedule in some time to slow down and recharge? Read these tips for ways to help lower some stress.
Myths Busted
Reality: While it’s not always possible to control the sources of stress, we can try to manage how we respond to stressors.
There are some coping strategies that children and youth can practice to help with managing their stress, and to try to feel less overwhelmed.
Regular physical activity, setting aside time to have fun together, and relaxation exercises are just some examples of techniques to help lower stress. Read more on tips for tackling stress.
Featured Resources
Stresslr
Free web app that provides a fun and engaging way for children to learn about stress, understand how they react to it, and develop healthy strategies to cope with stress in their daily lives.
Learning to Think Helpful Thoughts
Learn how to change unhelpful thoughts to helpful thoughts with this activity sheet.
How to Problem Solve
A worksheet to work through problem solving with children.
Quick Ways to Relax
A resource for kids featuring quick ways to relax, including deep breathing, muscle relaxation and visualization.
Strong Minds Strong Kids
Information and resources on stress management for parents and educators. You'll find tips and activities from programs like 'Kids Have Stress Too!'