We all need some amount of stress in life to move and to function. Sometimes, however, life changes and other challenges make stress levels uncomfortably high. This is true for your entire family. Young children may act out more when stress levels rise. Teenagers may internalize stress reactions, leaving you unaware that they are overwhelmed by life events.
Pay close attention to your teen when stressful events pile up, and encourage them to put these stress management tips into practice.
Keep moving: Whether it’s walking the dog or playing a sport, regular exercise will help your teen feel more relaxed.
Eat right: Eating well, starting with a healthy breakfast, will give your teen the energy needed to tackle the day.
Sleep well: Your teen’s body and mind are still developing, requiring eight or nine hours of sleep to be healthy and recharge for the next day.
Get organized: Being unprepared for school, practice or other activities can increase stress levels. Encourage your teen to keep track of events and deadlines with calendars, designated homework area at home (stocked with supplies), email or smart phone reminders, etc.
Take time to relax: Be sure to allow your teen time to take it easy, listening to music, playing video games or just hanging out.
LOL: Laughter reduces stress. Find a funny TV show or movie that the whole family can enjoy. Teach your teen that laughing at yourself when you do something silly is not only acceptable, but is an effective stress-buster.
Spend time with friends: Teenagers need trusted friends to share worries with or simply to feel supported.
Help someone else: Explore ways your teen can volunteer, whether it’s helping a neighbor in need, volunteering at a nursing home or walking pets at an animal shelter.
Signs of stress overload
You know best how your children cope with stressful events, and how their responses may have changed over the years. A toddler’s tantrum may have evolved to a teenager’s need for time alone. If you have concerns about how your teen is coping with stressful events, look for emotional or behavioral signs of stress overload such as:
- Frequent complaints of upset stomach, headaches or “feeling sick”
- Mood swings or angry outbursts at family members
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Complaining more or expressing more worries
- Grades falling or other problems at school
- Withdrawing from friends and favorite activities
We all need some amount of stress in life to move and to function. Sometimes, however, life changes and other challenges make stress levels uncomfortably high. This is true for your entire family. Young children may act out more when stress levels rise. Teenagers may internalize stress reactions, leaving you unaware that they are overwhelmed by life events.
Pay close attention to your teen when stressful events pile up, and encourage them to put these stress management tips into practice.
Keep moving: Whether it’s walking the dog or playing a sport, regular exercise will help your teen feel more relaxed.
Eat right: Eating well, starting with a healthy breakfast, will give your teen the energy needed to tackle the day.
Sleep well: Your teen’s body and mind are still developing, requiring eight or nine hours of sleep to be healthy and recharge for the next day.
Get organized: Being unprepared for school, practice or other activities can increase stress levels. Encourage your teen to keep track of events and deadlines with calendars, designated homework area at home (stocked with supplies), email or smart phone reminders, etc.
Take time to relax: Be sure to allow your teen time to take it easy, listening to music, playing video games or just hanging out.
LOL: Laughter reduces stress. Find a funny TV show or movie that the whole family can enjoy. Teach your teen that laughing at yourself when you do something silly is not only acceptable, but is an effective stress-buster.
Spend time with friends: Teenagers need trusted friends to share worries with or simply to feel supported.
Help someone else: Explore ways your teen can volunteer, whether it’s helping a neighbor in need, volunteering at a nursing home or walking pets at an animal shelter.
Signs of stress overload
You know best how your children cope with stressful events, and how their responses may have changed over the years. A toddler’s tantrum may have evolved to a teenager’s need for time alone. If you have concerns about how your teen is coping with stressful events, look for emotional or behavioral signs of stress overload such as:
- Frequent complaints of upset stomach, headaches or “feeling sick”
- Mood swings or angry outbursts at family members
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Complaining more or expressing more worries
- Grades falling or other problems at school
- Withdrawing from friends and favorite activities
We all need some amount of stress in life to move and to function. Sometimes, however, life changes and other challenges make stress levels uncomfortably high. This is true for your entire family. Young children may act out more when stress levels rise. Teenagers may internalize stress reactions, leaving you unaware that they are overwhelmed by life events.
Pay close attention to your teen when stressful events pile up, and encourage them to put these stress management tips into practice.
Keep moving: Whether it’s walking the dog or playing a sport, regular exercise will help your teen feel more relaxed.
Eat right: Eating well, starting with a healthy breakfast, will give your teen the energy needed to tackle the day.
Sleep well: Your teen’s body and mind are still developing, requiring eight or nine hours of sleep to be healthy and recharge for the next day.
Get organized: Being unprepared for school, practice or other activities can increase stress levels. Encourage your teen to keep track of events and deadlines with calendars, designated homework area at home (stocked with supplies), email or smart phone reminders, etc.
Take time to relax: Be sure to allow your teen time to take it easy, listening to music, playing video games or just hanging out.
LOL: Laughter reduces stress. Find a funny TV show or movie that the whole family can enjoy. Teach your teen that laughing at yourself when you do something silly is not only acceptable, but is an effective stress-buster.
Spend time with friends: Teenagers need trusted friends to share worries with or simply to feel supported.
Help someone else: Explore ways your teen can volunteer, whether it’s helping a neighbor in need, volunteering at a nursing home or walking pets at an animal shelter.
Signs of stress overload
You know best how your children cope with stressful events, and how their responses may have changed over the years. A toddler’s tantrum may have evolved to a teenager’s need for time alone. If you have concerns about how your teen is coping with stressful events, look for emotional or behavioral signs of stress overload such as:
- Frequent complaints of upset stomach, headaches or “feeling sick”
- Mood swings or angry outbursts at family members
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Complaining more or expressing more worries
- Grades falling or other problems at school
- Withdrawing from friends and favorite activities