Calm and Confident: Stress-Relieving Activities for Kids Anxious About Returning to School
Shining STAR Milaney ready to rock the upcoming school year!
The return to school can be an anxious time for many children. To help ease their worries, here are some stress-relieving activities that can boost their confidence and create a sense of calm.
1. Mindfulness and Meditation
Why it Helps: Mindfulness and meditation can help children stay present and reduce anxiety by focusing on the moment.
How to Implement:
Breathing Exercises: Teach your child simple breathing exercises, such as deep belly breathing or counting breaths.
Guided Meditations: Use apps or online resources designed for kids to guide them through short meditation sessions.
2. Creative Outlets
Why it Helps: Engaging in creative activities can help children express their feelings and channel their energy into something positive.
How to Implement:
Art Projects: Provide materials for drawing, painting, or crafting. Encourage your child to create artwork that reflects their feelings.
Writing: Encourage journaling or storytelling. Writing about their worries can help children process and release anxiety.
3. Physical Activity
Why it Helps: Physical activity is a natural stress reliever and can help reduce anxiety by releasing endorphins.
How to Implement:
Outdoor Play: Encourage activities like biking, running, or playing sports. Fresh air and physical exertion can be very beneficial.
Yoga: Introduce your child to yoga with kid-friendly routines that focus on relaxation and stretching.
Shining STARS Abygail & Milaney helping each other with a yoga pose
4. Sensory Activities
Why it Helps: Sensory activities can provide a calming and grounding effect for anxious children.
How to Implement:
Sensory Bins: Create sensory bins filled with materials like sand, rice, or water beads for tactile exploration.
Calm Down Jars: Make a calm down jar with water, glitter, and glue. Shaking the jar and watching the glitter settle can be soothing.
5. Routine and Structure
Why it Helps: Consistent routines can provide a sense of security and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety.
How to Implement:
Daily Schedule: Create a visual schedule for the day that includes school-related activities and relaxation time.
Morning and Evening Routines: Establish consistent morning and bedtime routines to create a sense of normalcy.
6. Positive Reinforcement
Why it Helps: Positive reinforcement can boost confidence and create a sense of accomplishment.
How to Implement:
Reward System: Set up a reward system for completing tasks or demonstrating positive behavior.
Praise and Encouragement: Regularly praise your child for their efforts and progress, no matter how small.
7. Connection and Support
Why it Helps: Feeling connected and supported can significantly reduce anxiety.
How to Implement:
One-on-One Time: Spend quality time with your child, engaging in activities they enjoy.
Talk About Feelings: Encourage open conversations about their feelings and reassure them that it's okay to feel anxious.
Shining STARS Jaxyn, Rexlynn, Milaney & Abygail enjoying a celebratory treat!
Helping your child manage their anxiety about returning to school involves a combination of mindfulness, creativity, physical activity, and consistent routines. By incorporating these stress-relieving activities into their daily lives, you can help them feel more calm, confident, and ready to tackle the new school year. Remember to be patient and supportive, and celebrate their efforts and progress along the way. Here's to a smooth and stress-free transition back to school!
