J. S. Jackson - Letting Go of Stress: A Kids Guide to Putting Worry in Its Place

Letting Go of Stress

A Kids Guide to Putting Worry in Its Place

J. S. Jackson

Illustrated by R. W. Alley

Publications

St. Meinrad, IN 47577

A Message to Parents, Teachers, and Other Caring Adults

Youve probably heard people say things like, Boy, my knees are really shaking or Im so nervous, I feel like Ive got butterflies in my stomach. These are some of the regular physical signs of stress in both kids and adults. Be it the first day of school or the first day on the new job, for all of us, kids and adults alike, stress is basically a mild or moderate form of fear. We fear going to the doctor and fear having the birthday cake youre making not turn out well. We might be afraid of reading and speaking in front of classmates or of giving a new business presentation to co-workers.

Kids are especially prone to feel fear before stressful events in their lives. Theres nothing that makes anyone more nervous than thinking about the first day of school. Built into that day are many of the forms of stress makers: meeting new classmates whom they dont know that well; meeting a new teacher, whom they will have to see almost every school day for the next year; getting new books and assignments that are more challenging than those theyve had up to now. That is a lot to process for anyone.

Many teachers, educators, and psychologists today believe that overscheduling has become a major problem in our society, compounding the stress that children already feel because of home and school responsibilities. Family, school, and team sports schedules have been crammed into their daily activities so extensively that many children are robbed of their free recreational growth time, and an alarming number of kids are experiencing high levels of stress because of this.

As adults, we arent strangers to stress. Monthly bills alone could fill a book (and have). So, in a way, were all in the same boat: having fears and concerns about things we often have no control over. In this book, well explore attitudes and ideas to try to diminish some of the stress the younger folks feel.

J. S. Jackson

What Is Stress?

S tress is a feeling that happens to almost everyone from time to time. Its a nervous feeling that you usually get when youre worried about something. Stress sometimes occurs when something is going to happen that is new or unfamiliar. Remember how the first day of school was? You were pretty nervous, right? You didnt know who your classmates were going to be.

T hose unknown things can make you feel stress. But it doesnt take long to get to know everybody in your class, your new teacher, and the things youre going to be studying. Before long, your first day of school stress is pretty much gone.

What Causes Stress?

S tress can come from many people and many places. It can also come from the times we have disagreements with other people. Learning how to resolve these disagreements is an important part of learning how to get along with people in your family, in your neighborhood, in your school, and in every part of life.

C an you think of some things that cause you stress? Sometimes if you make a list and share it with a parent or teacher, it can help make the stress less.

Families Can Feel Stress

I n families, people sometimes disagree and this can cause stress. Our families are where we learn to get along with each other, cooperate, and have fun.

W e all need different things and like different things. Does everyone want to watch the same TV shows at the same time? Does everyone like the same toys or dolls or games? Sometimes it can be very hard to share, even though we know we should. But when we learn to be more patient and share, it can make a big difference in the stress level in any home.

Have a Family Meeting

S ome families find it very helpful to have special family meetings to talk about how everyone is feeling. They can sit around a table or in a circle on the floor and say what they like and what they dont like.

T he person speaking often holds a talking stick (or pen or ball) so that when that person is talking, no one can interrupt. When that person is finished, the next person gets to hold the talking stick and share his or her feelings.

M aking time to have dinner together, play together, and exercise is also important for helping everyone feel like a part of the family.

Set Rules for Your Family

S etting Family Rules is a good way to help everyone in your family to get along. When you feel stress because of someone in your family, you can always ask your parents, grandparents, and other adults to help you know what to do when there is a stressful situation in your family.

School Can Be Stressful

S chool can be a place where you might feel stress. Your fellow students can be stress-makers by teasing or bullying in class or on the playground. Do you feel stress because students are teasing or bullying you? If you feel stressed because of other students, ask an adult you trust for help.