Use these tips to help your children cope with stress

In comparison to adults children are prone to getting traumatised by troubling events easily and this makes it important for parents to help their children when the times are tough It could be a brutal accident an unprecedented pandemic a violent crime or other disasters but with the right parental support children have a higher chance of coming out stronger from an awful situationAnuja Kapur psychologist shares few tips wherein you can assist your child when tough times comes calling Every child responds differently to disturbing events What children feel about a current disaster in their life and how they react to it can come and go in waves Children can act moody and withdrawn at times struck with sorrow and fear at other times Theres no absolute right or wrong way to feel after a traumatic event so make sure not to dictate what your child or how your child should feel and react to the eventEncourage your child to be transparent Just make sure you let your child know that whatever feelings theyre experiencing is normal The unpleasantness will pass if your child opens up about it and that the phase is temporary While many teens may be reluctant to talk about their feelings with a parent encourage them to confide in another trusted adult such as a family friend relative or a counselor and teacher Its important to talk even if its not with youDeter your child from reliving the disturbing event Dwelling over watching the footage or imagining the event can be overwhelmingly stressful for children and this stress can even block their nervous system However to negate such things from happening encourage activities that keep your childs mind occupied so theyre not obsessive about the event You could encourage your children to read play games together or simply watch an uplifting movieCocoon your child with warmth In order to reassure your child that they are safe with you and feel secure that the worst is over your physical affection is important in making them feel safe again Teens may try to be tough through it and avoid being held but they still need the proximityMaintain routines Establishing a predictable structure and schedule for your childs life can help to make the world seem more stable again Try to maintain regular times for meals homework and family activities Make sure your child accommodates time and space for rest play and fun Keeping up with a schedule can help countercheck the obnoxious feeling of stress and worry in children about the future being dark hopeless and unpredictableAcknowledge and validate your childs concerns The disastrous events in life may give place to unrelated fright and concerns in your child However understanding and accepting your childs present state is a comfort for the child If at any point the child blames himself for the event make sure to make it clear and crisp the event was not their fault you love them and its okay for them to feel upset angry or scared but not guiltyIrrespective of the age of your child it is vital for parents to offer that extra support and assistance following an unsettling event The traumatic event may bring up unrelated fears and issues in your child However by accepting their thoughts and replacing their fear with your love and direction the ominous feelings will start to fade away Eventually the child will be able to return to a normal and healthy lifeAlso Read Noise pollution increases risk of dementia say expert doctors