Feeling Stressed?

Try one or more of these ideas

  • Listen to a favorite song and sing along
  • Take a relaxing shower
  • Watch a funny video on YouTube
  • Pet an animal
  • Give and get a hug
  • Practice deep breathing
  • Write about what’s bothering/stressing you and then write something you are grateful for
  • Do some light exercise
  • Walk barefoot in the grass

​(Source: ithrive@Stanford / www.tinybuddah.com)

Crisis Information
If you are suffering from a mental health issue, or if you think you would benefit from individualized advice, we recommend that you seek professional counseling services. Please Visit the Crisis Information page for valuable resources available to you.

5 CHALLENGE SUCCESS STRATEGIES TO REDUCE STRESS FOR YOUR CHILD THIS SCHOOL YEAR

Define Success on Your Terms  -  The prevailing culture focuses on measurable achievement (i.e. GPA and SAT scores) in defining success.  Be clear with your children on what success looks like for your family.

Create a Family Plan  -  Determine in advance the academic load and  level of extracurricular activity that works for both your child and your family.

Insist on Healthy Food and Adequate Sleep Consistently

PDF - Don't forget to Schedule for Play Time, Down Time, and Family Time 

Ease Excessive Performance Pressure and End the Homework Wars  -  If homework is a power struggle, then it’s likely that you are too invested in it.  (Consider your role with your child’s  homework analogous to a parent’s role with a child who plays soccer; support your child and cheer for him/her, but don’t go onto the field to coach him/her or tell him/her what to do… or kick the ball for him/her.)  Let your child make mistakes and fail, especially when the stakes are relatively low like with homework.  Life’s best lessons and “teachable moments” come from mistakes and failures.  When we consistently rescue our children, we deny them the opportunity to develop resilience and fortitude as they struggle with challenges.

(Content from Parenting Guidelines on Challenge Success)