Did You Know

How to Help Children Cope with Stress

Anxiety is an all-too-common problem faced by children today.

ACCF would like to provide the following tips to help children develop healthy ways to cope with stress and solve everyday problems:

■Create a relaxed home atmosphere and commit to a routine. Family dinners or game nights can prevent anxiety and help relieve stress.

■Give your child a heads up on any anticipated changes and talk through the new scenarios with them.

■Adopt healthy habits such as exercise and self-care.

■Lear■ to really listen to your child without being critical or solving problems for them. Teach your child ways to understand and solve the problems that upset them.

■Be affectionate and always encourage them.

Seek the advice of a medical practitioner, counselor, or therapist if the signs of stress do not lessen or if your child becomes withdrawn, depressed, or unhappy.