Happy, Healthy Holidays!
It’s that time of year when darkness comes sooner than we would like, and when we begin to feel overwhelmed from work and longer “to do” lists, routines, the change of seasons, and the anticipation of the holidays. If you are feeling the strain, just remember that your children are feeling it too, and it is important to be mindful of how your behaviors and emotions impact them. When life gets crazy, try to be mindful of how you manage stress and be a role model.
On October 24th, the Winsor Wellness Department shared how we all work together to help the students maintain a balanced life physically, emotionally and socially. We encourage you to continue this message at home and especially as we enter a more stressful time of year.
Here are some tips:
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Communication is key! First, have a conversation and check in with your child. Listen empathetically, be sure to validate their feelings and thoughts, give reassurance that they can depend on you for help, ask questions and follow up. They may not want to talk too much the first time, but keep checking in. Remember to lean in to the discomfort of challenging or new conversations, it’s good role modeling and it will get easier.
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Encourage self-care. Sleeping, fueling the body, and being aware of your technology use is so important during these times. Make it a family effort and set self-care goals together. That way you can encourage each other.
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Stick to Routines. Recognize when your routines become inconsistent and try to stay on track. If life speeds up too fast, scale back and allow for some down time to recharge.
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Promote self-advocacy. Advocating for your needs takes courage and strength. Encourage your children to advocate for what they need in school, with friends, and with you. Talk about how advocating for yourself helps you to stay balanced.
Resources for Parenting Teens with Stress:
Books
Lisa Damour, Ph.D., Under Pressure Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls
and Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions Into Adulthood
and Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions Into Adulthood
Kari Dunn Buron, When My Worries Get Too Big
Frances E. Jensen, MD with Amy Ellis Nutt, The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults
Dawn Huebner, What to Do When You Worry Too Much
Lynn Lyons, LICSW, Anxious Kids Anxious Parents
Daniel Siegel, The Whole Brain Child
Websites:
You may also click here to access articles by the author Lisa Damour, an excerpt from her book, and a link to her website. The same links can also be found in WILD on the Wellness Resource Board.
