Tip #41 from Teacher Secrets for Parents (McKinley & Trombly)

Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly.

#41

R.E.F.R.E.S.H.

Breathe…Deep
~The Snuggle Fabric Softener Bear

Stress is not just something adults feel. Children can become stressed, too. Just think of what your child is expected to do every day. In one day, she learns new ideas and concepts in as much as six different subjects. When one subject is finished, it’s put away, and the next subject is pulled out. She must switch gears within minutes, multiple times a day. In between the academics, there is the stress of getting along with classmates. On the playground, during lunch, or at recess, social interactions, both positive and negative, take place every day. How many times has your child come home and complained about what another student said or did that may have hurt her feelings? Teach your child at a young age to deal with her stress in a healthy, positive way. One nice way, is to think about the acronym REFRESH:

Renew - Every day is a chance at a fresh start. Tell your child that no matter what happened today, tomorrow is a chance to make it another great day or make it better.

Energize - What puts a spark in your child’s eye? Encourage her to do the things she loves in her free time. Finding time to do the things she loves will increase her energy level, which will help her in every area of her life.

Food - You can never stress too much how important eating regularly and eating healthy is for children. Especially make sure you create time for breakfast before school. Healthy food provides energy she needs if she wants to perform at her optimum level at school.

Relax - Children must have a time to relax. Perhaps she needs a half hour after school to eat and relax before she even thinks about homework. Try setting up a place, free of electronics, where she can decompress from her day. A comfy bean bag next to a bookshelf is a great incentive to relax and de-stress.

Exercise - With so much technology around them, it’s sometimes hard for children to resist the temptation to use it. It’s easy to become sedentary and passive. Encourage your child to be active. Go outside and kick a ball around with her, take the dog for a walk, or find a jump rope and head outside. Exercising the body is just as important as exercising the mind.

Sleep - Experts state that school-aged children need 9-11 hours of sleep every night. Make every effort to start winding down your day about an hour before her bedtime. Avoid activities that will stimulate and energize her too close to bedtime. Before bed is a perfect time for her to write in her journal or read with you or alone. Quiet activities before bed will help her fall asleep faster so she can get the required sleep she needs.

Hydrate - Water is an important factor in your child’s health and performance (in school and out). Many teachers recognize this and will let students have a water bottle on their desk during the school day. Check with your child’s teacher about the classroom’s policy. Whether she’s allowed to drink in the classroom or not, make sure you child knows the importance of staying hydrated and the important role water plays in her health.

Cindy McKinley Alder Patti Trombly

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