Information and Tips on Managing Stress for Children and Teens

April 22nd, 2012 | 7 Comments

Happy Stress Free Kids

By Lori Lite Founder of Stress Free Kids

When I think of happy stress free kids , I have visions of laughing children unbothered by dirtied knees and sweat soaked clothes. Children of all ages playing together, creating and scheming as they chase fireflies to fill their glass jar with nature’s light with the hopes of attracting faeries. STOP! I am already hearing parents saying “don’t run.. you might fall…don’t use a a glass jar it might break and cut you…don’t be so loud…you are bothering the neighbors….don’t catch all the fireflies because they will become extinct and faeries are only in fairytales..” STOP! These are the types of anxiety causing statements I hear from well-meaning parents all of the time. I hope that this post inspires all of us to loosen up a bit and let kids be kids.. Summertime for me was filled with stress free moments that included blowing bubbles, climbing trees, chasing fireflies with my brothers, and watching for faeries. These memories inspired me to create magical, musical melodies of relaxation music for children designed to capture the joyful and stress free moments of childhood.

April 16th, 2012 | 8 Comments

From Ocean Floor to Classroom Door: Anger Management in the Class

Note to Readers: Stress and anger management tips in action make my heart sing. I came across this post on how one teacher put Angry Octopus into action in her classroom. It is a dream come true for me when my stories inspire educators to bring emotional coping strategies to life in their classroom. My Stress Free Kids Curriculum makes it easy. I am so thankful Meghan shared her experience with me.

By Meghan O’Hara

I am always trying to find new and innovative ways to help my students navigate the complex world of childhood. I am constantly manipulating strategies I find on social media outlets such as Pinterest and educational blogs. I love to see what other educators are doing and I enjoy trying to adapt these ideas to fit our diverse classroom.

March 24th, 2012 | 7 Comments

Six Ways to Reduce Teen Stress

Note to Readers: The subject of teen stress grabbed my attention when I attended my daughter’s High School orientation. The principal bragged to us that “This would be our teens most stressful year ever!” As a mom and stress expert,I was concerned for the wellness of the students and wanted my own children to be prepared emotionally to handle such an onslaught of stress. I decided to create Indigo Teen Dreams CD to introduce teenagers to stress management techniques. I met Ronae on twitter and was inspired by her hope filled tweets and tips. A big thank you to Ronae for sharing her practical tools and tips to help teens reduce stress while maintaining parenting sanity. Enjoy!

Today’s teenagers are inundated with an overload of information, expectations, and input. They’re more connected globally than ever before, while still being unsure of how to effectively manage close personal relationships. They may have a Facebook account, but not have much practice in having healthy one-on-one conversations. You may battle with them over putting down their cell phones, turning off the computer games, and staying engaged at school. Whether you’re the sort of parent who tries to micromanage your teen’s life or one who stays completely out of it, there are things you can do to help your teen manage their stress.

March 19th, 2012 | 6 Comments

Heads Up Concussion in Youth Sports

by Shannon Henrici

Did You Know that a Concussion Can Change Your Child?

There’s no doubt that sports are a great way for kids and teens to stay healthy, as well as learn important leadership and team-building skills. However, there are unacceptable risks in sports, especially when it comes to a concussion. Do you know anyone who has survived a concussion or traumatic brain injury? If so, then you know how long the symptoms can persist and how dramatically it can change their life.

March 6th, 2012 | 5 Comments

St. Patty’s Day Tips

By Lori Lite, Founder of Stress Free Kids

You don’t need to be Irish to tap into St. Patty’s Day. Put your own spin on this holiday to get your Irish (or not) eyes smiling and your soul relaxing. Playful family traditions reduce stress and strengthen relationships. Here are a few tips to eat, drink, be merry, and relaxed for St. Patrick’s Day.

February 27th, 2012 | 13 Comments

12 Ways to Help An Angry Child Manage their Anger

Note to Readers: As a parent, dealing with an angry child is inevitable and feared by all. Many of us have heard our own pre-parenting voice whisper to us….”That will never be my kid having a fit like that!” (Famous last words) Many adults do not handle anger in a healthy manner because they were not given the skills as a child to express anger in a healthy way. Breathing and visualizing putting anger into bubbles is one of my favorite ways to rid our bodies of anger. Elizabeth shares her experience and empowering anger management tips for you and your children.

by Elizabeth O’Shea

Just like adults, children get angry. And due to their inexperience they don’t have the experience or self-control to know how to deal with it. By our actions we help our little ones learn how to deal with frustrations. If they live in a household where shouting and hitting are acceptable they will copy this behaviour from the adults around them. The important message we need to give to our children is:

February 18th, 2012 | 5 Comments

Imagine a Creative Brain for ALL Children! Early Childhood Development

Note to Readers: Early childhood development should be a ‘no brainer’ for including imagination and play. Today’s new world of screens in every room and each hand find many parents struggling with limiting screen time, getting kids outdoors, and encouraging them to use their imaginations. Some of my best parenting memories are watching my children and their friends pretend that they run an animal hospital in my kitchen. Years later, I still find little doctor notes tucked inside of bags and boxes that they wrote during their play time. Thanks to Deborah for sharing how important these moments are.

By Deborah McNelis,M.S.ed, Owner/Creator of braininsights®

Studies show that the brain is not idle during daydreaming. While imagining, the brain is very active.

I often talk and write passionately about how incredibly important it is that young children have opportunities to play. One of the reasons I promote this so strongly is because the way to develop imagination and creative thought is through unstructured play.

January 30th, 2012 | 7 Comments

Top Stress Relievers for Men, Dads, and Stay-At-Home Dads

Note to Readers: Today’s new breed of Dads amaze me. The first generation of men to change diapers, take their daughters to dance class, and cook dinner. Most without having witnessed their own fathers being so hands on. I applaud the Dads I meet everyday…on Twitter, Facebook, and at the park. Their minds and hearts are open and like many moms… they are stressed out. I am thankful to Michael for sharing his stress relievers for men.

by Michael Lawrience

As men when stressed, we tend to run away from our feelings, push them into our unconscious, or when pushed beyond our limits blow up in a rage. Men, in general, seek the company of other men in some activity like golf or watching a football game to escape their stress and get relief.

January 16th, 2012 | 7 Comments

Reduce Stress in Your Life

Note to Readers: Dr. Sears’ reduce stress tips support my stress free kids message of playing, laughing, breathing, communicating, and positive thinking! I am thrilled to share his suggestions to bring more joy and less stress into your family dynamics.

Stress has a negative impact on your health. It depresses your immune system, interrupts your sleep, and can cause you to overeat or make poor food choices. Fortunately, there are many way to reduce stress as a family.

January 9th, 2012 | 17 Comments

Kids Biting and Hitting and Scratching, “Oh, My!”

Note to Readers: Kids biting and hitting at school or the playground cause a stressful parenting issue that many of us would rather not have to address. Harsh punishments usually escalate the unwanted behaviors. It is important to understand why a child might hit, bite, or scratch and guide your child to more acceptable social behavior. Thanks to Wendy, Ava, Dr. Lynne for sharing their professional and parenting wisdom.

by Wendy Young

Physical acts of aggression such as biting, hitting and scratching are amongst the biggest concerns voiced by parents and educators of toddlers and preschoolers. While it’s shocking and probably embarrassing when your child becomes physically aggressive, it’s not unusual behavior for young kids. When children are overcome with feelings such as anger, fear, frustration or disappointment, for example, because another child has possession of a toy they want, they don’t have the language to express it.