As you get settled in the new year, there are likely old and new stressors that affect both you and your children. Sometimes people show no reactions to stress, other times you may see significant change in behavior within yourself or you child. Here are some common changes you may see:

• Avoidance, such as not wanting to talk about the stressor

• Thinking about the stressor all the time

• Having difficulty Sleeping

• Trouble remembering things

• Trouble concentrating or focusing

• Waiting for something bad to happen

• Getting scared easily

• Feeling anger, guilt, shame, sadness

• Feeling bad about oneself

• More health issues than normal

• Feeling out of control

  Please know these are normal responses! Though it may feel difficult, it is typical to respond to stress in this way and to need a little extra support after a stressful event. And remember – if you ever want extra support, reach out to our play therapist.

So what do we do about this?

Be patient and listen to your body! It is important to allow your body time to react to the stress. This can be done in a variety of ways including exercise, meditation, taking a deep breath, writing in a journal, getting enough sleep (8-13 hours depending on age). Below is an activity you can do for yourself and with your kids! One wheel is full of ideas on how to take care of yourself, the other is blank so you can fill it in with things you like to do that take care of the 6 different categories that affect overall well-being. If you would like to discuss how this might work in your family or would like printed copies, please reach out to our play therapist at 214-266-8065 or kchristian@mommiesinneed.org.

If you would like more information on sleep needed by age – please visit the CDC for recommendations