Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Issue 56

How can you help your teen manage their stress?
by Rebecca Salter of Kip McGrath Cardiff West
Having to cope with some level of
anxiety and stress is a normal part
of dealing with everyday life. We
need to develop coping strategies
throughout our lives. However,
there is a difference between
positive stress that motivates a
young person to work hard and the
debilitating and crushing worry
that leaves some children unable
to function.
Good sleep
Teenagers need 9 ¼ hours sleep
a night - something they often
don’t get! This can be due to
using games consoles, YouTube
or smartphones until late into the
night. Screen time before bed
delays the release of melatonin and
makes falling asleep more difficult.
So, our teens are trying to function
on less sleep than they need and
yet are still expected to learn every
day. As exam pressure is piled on,
young people become exhausted
and unable to cope with school
work. A regular sleep routine and
controlled use of screens can really
help and the earlier this can be
established the better!
Study routines
Good study routines, set up from as
early as possible in their school life,
can really help your teenager when
school and exam stress begins in
earnest in years 10 and 11. It is never
too early to start to build in specific
times for homework and breaks for
rest and play. A regular routine is
calming and makes workload seem
more manageable. It also allows for
your child to complete homework
as they receive it, rather than let
it pile up. Then, they feel more in
control of their work and are calmer,
less anxious, more confident
students.
Lead the way yourself
Children look to the adults in
their lives as examples when
dealing with difficult situations. If
you are finding that stress is hard
to manage, your children could
create learned behaviours from
observation. As a parent you are
doing such an important job but
never forget that it is okay to have
time out just for YOU. Don’t feel
guilty. You need a balanced life so
that you can show your children
how to lead one themselves.
Don’t leave it too late to get them
help - if you think your child could
benefit from extra support, trust
your instincts as a parent. No-one
knows your child better than you.
Call today if you would like a free
assessment and to see how we can
help your child gain the confidence
and study skills they need.
A: Unit 3, Hollybush Estate, Coryton
Cardiff CF14 7DS
T: 02920 628568
W: kipmcgrath.co.uk/cardiff-west
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