Though subjective, the very real and heavy demands of school, sports,
performing arts and social activities can contribute to having higher than average stress loads for teenagers. How do parents help their children 'deal' with this? Personally, I would like to find a local yoga class for teens, or, better yet, institute one at the High School.
 


Comments

Karen Campbell
11/20/2009 12:33

The school does offer yoga classes as part of the PE curriculum, tho I don't know how hard they are to get. An afterschool class instituted at the school and specifically geared toward BHS students might be a really good thing and maybe not too hard to set up. Tedi Jacobs and Lynn Modell (PA) might have some ideas.

As far as stress management on the home front, I try very hard to absorb some of my daughter's stress (let her talk and vent, listen sympathetically and try not to feed into her anxiety). I think one of the most important things we can do as parents is remind our children to keep things in perspective. With hormones raging, it's easy for little issues to turn into big dramas. I just try to remind her that "in the big picture," some of these issues are going to blow over without major consequence. Time can be our friend.

I also encourage a little down time upon arriving home from school -- snacks, conversation, TV -- things that can let kids decompress and shake off some of the intensity of the school day. Even when I hear "I have too much homework," I recommend a break and a fresh start. I also try to encourage the health basics -- exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep. When my older daughter got really anxious, I'd send her out for a run around the block a couple times, and just that little bit of exercise cleared her head, blew off some steam and got her blood flowing.

Reply
03/29/2010 05:53

I have been running an in-school yoga program at Runkle School since September and have met with great success. I would love to come to BHS during the day and do the same.

Reply



Leave a Reply