Help your child handle school stress

Keep calm

Mornings are important as they will set the mood for the day. So make sure your child has enough time and has everything ready before he or she leaves for school.

Sleep well

Make sure your child sleeps well. Children with enough sleep are less likely to be irritable and more able to cope in school.

Talk

If you sense that your child is feeling stressed after school, try to start a conversation by asking about his or her day.

Connect

If your child is not opening up to you, you can attempt to find out more from other parents or the teachers.

Relax

Have your child practise deep breathing or engage in enjoyable activities such as drawing.

Cut down

If your child is stressed because of homework, try to cut down on other activities. Use some of the freed up time to help your child de-stress or for family bonding instead.

Share

If you had a stressful day at work, talk to your child about what made you upset and how you are going to handle it positively. This way, he or she can learn from your example.

Be positive

Do not talk negatively about homework or teachers because it will add on to your child’s stress. If necessary, talk to the teacher personally about these problems.

Limit technology

Cut down on your child’s use of the computer or iPad as it might increase stress. Engage him or her to do something active such as taking an evening walk or jogging instead.

Get help

There are many resources available today that can help your child's learning needs.

If you find that stress is affecting your child’s ability to function, you may want to engage a counsellor to help him or her cope.