When children are stressed, they can display a variety of emotional and physical symptoms, including unusual behavioral changes, bedwetting, nervous habits such as nail-biting, increased or decreased appetite, problems in school, and withdrawing from family members. Dance classes are among the many healthy ways to help your child manage their stress and maintain a happy mindset. Learn more about dance for stress relief here, as well as other tips for reducing your child’s anxiety level. 

How to Help Your Child When They Are Stressed

1. Encourage Them to Talk About It

Discussing what is stressing your child with you can help them recognize the problem(s). Encourage them to express their feelings, such as saying, “It seems like you are still upset from the playdate this afternoon. I find talking about upsetting things makes me feel better--would you like to tell me what’s bothering you?” 

Listen to your child so they feel heard and respected, and offer solutions. For example, if the little one is stressed because they are getting teased by a classmate, request a parent-teacher conference to alert the instructor and come up with an anti-bullying mandate. 

2. Consider Animal Therapy

Think about utilizing animal therapy that allows your child to be around service animals, including dogs, cats, and horses. Therapy animals provide cuddly distractions that can help children feel calm in stress-inducing situations, such as visits to the doctor or dentist. These well-trained animals also offer companionship, promote responsibility when children are tasked with assorted care duties, and even help with reading skills. 

For example, there are programs where kids read to shelter dogs. The canines feel calm and enjoy the attention, while the children get to practice reading out loud and feel good about helping their four-legged community. 

3. Be Present

Be patient and present when your child is stressed. Even if the little one doesn’t want to talk, they will likely appreciate you staying with them and calm down as a result. Offer activity options that help them bust stress, including nature walks, dance classes, and craft projects. Spending time in nature has shown to reduce anxiety and stress, while creative outlets provide welcome new forms of self-expression. 

Perhaps your child has always loved “moving to the beat” and will gladly take dance classes. Learning new positions and moves helps build self-esteem as their skills improve, while the ability to make up routines and subsequently express themselves relieves negative thoughts and feelings. 

If dance classes are the perfect stress-buster for your child, review the lesson options at Elite Dance Studio in Lindenhurst, NY. The studio provides children throughout Long Island with a range of dance classes to pick from, including jazz, hip-hop, acro, and tap. Call (631) 450-4740 today to get started or learn more about the studio online. Get the latest updates on Facebook.