Stress isn’t limited to adults. Children are extremely observant and are constantly absorbing information from the world around them. These days, many kids of all ages are stressed about things like the pandemic, their academic responsibilities, social concerns, and even the environment.

We live in a stressful world, and it’s just not possible to eliminate all sources of stress from your kids’ lives, much as you’d love to. What you can do, however, is help your kids cope with any stress they may be feeling in healthy ways. Here’s what you should know about kids and stress.

Are Kids More Stressed Than They Use to Be? 

Data about stress levels among teenagers is sobering. Since 2013, surveys have shown that teens have become even more stressed than adults. Additionally, rates of psychological distress, depression, and suicide increased significantly from 2005-2017.

It isn’t totally clear as to why kids are more stressed than they used to be. There are lots of different theories, including increased academic pressure, social media, and other factors. But regardless of the cause, it’s clear that managing stress should be a focus for every family.

Let’s take a look at 5 tips for helping kids and teens manage their stress and mood.

1. Consider Attentional Bias Modification Treatment 

As we learn more about what affects kids’ mental health, researchers are developing new treatment options. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of talk therapy, is helpful for some children with high levels of anxiety and stress, but it doesn’t work for everyone.

If your child is anxious and tends to fixate on scary or threatening information, then it might be a good idea to try out attentional bias modification treatment (ABMT). ABMT is a new, computer-based therapy that is designed to help kids shift their thought and attention patterns. While it is a fairly new therapy, it has shown promising results.

2. Try Meditation and Deep Breathing 

Meditation is a great coping mechanism for people of all ages. Children and adults can use mindfulness and deep breathing techniques to reduce stress and calm down in challenging situations.

Although meditation is simple, children usually need help getting started. Meditation resources for kids can be helpful, but it’s also a good idea to approach mindfulness as a family activity. Meditating and breathing together can help kids calm down and feel more grounded.

3. Encourage Your Kids to Share Their Feelings

When people are stressed, they often just let it build up. In the workplace, this can lead to errors and burnout. When kids let stress build up, however, they might act out, become anxious or depressed, or become completely overwhelmed.

As a parent, you can help by encouraging your kids to share their feelings. Talk to them on a regular basis about what is stressing them out and offer your support. You might not always have answers for them, but just being there to validate their feelings can be very helpful.

4. Limit Screen Time 

Right now, the news cycle and social media can be extremely toxic. Kids who spend a lot of time online may become stressed by what they read and might even be targeted for cyberbullying. Although your kids probably enjoy using the internet and watching TV, it’s important to put limits on these activities for the sake of their mental health.

“Unplugged” kids have more time to relax and get away from the addictive properties of social media. They have less exposure to toxic behavior that often surfaces online and they are forced to get creative with their free time.

Limiting screen time is not only great for reducing stress, but it can also help encourage a healthy lifestyle. Reading, exercise, crafts, and cooking are all great alternatives to excessive screen time and can help to reduce stress as well!

5. Model Positive Thinking and Behaviors You’d Like Your Kids to Follow 

If you’re stressed out, then your kids probably are as well. It can be hard to deal with your feelings if you’re experiencing financial, emotional, and practical stressors, but it’s important to model positive thinking and behavior if you want your kids to feel less stressed.

Tackle the issue together. Put away your phones at a certain time of the day and do something together. Take a walk, do yoga, make dinner together, or do a puzzle. You can’t expect your kids to manage their stress in healthy ways if you’re not willing to model the proper behavior. Work on the issue together and you’ll be a happier, healthier family, no matter what you’re going through.