Note to Readers: Reading for relaxation is an often overlooked stress management tool for children. A good story of triumph can brighten the eyes of any child. Reading gives children a chance to stop the mind list and incessant chatter in their brains.

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, [...]

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 [...]

Thanksgiving is a family holiday meant for relaxing around a leisurely meal with friends and loved ones. A few easy tips can get your family to the Thanksgiving table with more smiles and less stress.

Meditation is a difficult concept to teach children. A child cannot and should not be forced to learn to meditate. The pursuit to learn to meditate is a very personal decision couple by a strong commitment and desire to do so. So how do children and meditation go together?  Here’s what I think.

by Lori Lite Halloween Tips to Avoid Meltdowns with Kids! Enjoy these TRICKS to make sure your child’s Halloween experience is a TREAT! You and your children will benefit from these tips and most of them can be applied to children with special needs. Children with Aspergers, Autism, SPD, and general anxiety orders can enjoy [...]

My husband and I were sitting at high school orientation when the principal began to brag about the amount of stress our teens would experience as a freshman. Suddenly the teenage dream of going to High School…began to feel like a nightmare. I felt my stomach tighten and my husband squeezed my hand. My husband [...]

By Lori Lite Children do not think, act, or manage stress like adults; the younger the child the smaller the stressors. Arriving at school to find a  rearranged classroom or a substitute teacher can be big stressors to kids. Young children do not yet have the ability to identify or express their own feelings of [...]

A Blog by Dr. Gary G. Brannigan & Dr. Howard Margolis Many parents of children with disabilities worry—constantly. They fear the future, they feel extremely anxious—constantly. So do their children. Often, extreme, constant anxiety—fear of the future, fear that “I can’t handle it” and the results will be awful— creates physical and emotional distress. Physically, [...]

Note to Readers: Winter can bring an increase in stress. Creative parents and teachers are transforming stress into healthy activities that also teach relaxation. Winter is a perfect time for children to pretend they are a polar bear climbing through the snow until he finds a rock to on and practice deep breathing…just like the [...]