by Darrell Farmer

Created on: October 25, 2009

In today's world of fast paced economy fast food and fast cars our children are trying to keep up with us and their friends and school work. Our children have more peer pressure and stress on them today than we did when we were living at home and in school. My granddaughter is a prime example of how her friends pressure her into dressing a certain way, wanting to do certain things, acting a certain way, and trying to keep up with the Jones. My granddaughter doesn't know it but all these demands put stress into her life and her mother's life. So to keep down those stressful times a parent has to come up with solutions to help relieve the stress you and your child my experience. My boys are growing up but they are still my boys. I remember them in this picture I took this when we lived in Alaska. I also remember buying the hats they both have on their heads at the sears store that day and how happy they were to be wearing those hats. Well after we left the store and was going down the road the boys had the back windows down and all of the sudden one of the hats flew out the window. This was a stressful moment for everyone in the car because all I could hear was crying for his hat. So I turn the car around and went back to try and find the hat. We looked and looked and never found the hat so now when I look at this picture it reminds me of that happy but stressful time.

One thing we as parents can do is set aside a relaxation time. When my granddaughter comes to our house and she starts to get out of hand or get sassy or winey my wife will say it's time for love time. So we all stop what we are doing and retreat back to the bedroom and lay in bed. Then we will play a game my granddaughter called the quite game. So we would lie in bed and see who could be the quietist and usually my granddaughter is the first to talk and we will have to start all over.

Another way is to make sure you child gets enough sleep. When our granddaughter come over we usually have to play the quite game to ensure Alexis gets her rest. We do this by playing the quite game by lying in bed. The longer we play the game and lay in bed the sleeper we all three become and usually fall off to sleep for a good nap.

Thirdly ensure your child gets enough daily nutrients. Omega 3 fatty acids, that is in fish, flax seed, certain nuts and dietary supplements can cancel the inflammatory response that comes with stress. These nutrients also help fend off headaches and muscle aches that may be associated with stress. Stress can quickly burn up nutrients like calcium. Magnesium is known to help relieve anxiety and stress and vitamins C and E boost the immune system.

Botanicals like catnip and passionflower are also recommended for helping lessen those stressful times and lavender in a tea or bath can reduce anxiety.

Exercise and play time is always a good stress and anxiety reliever and helps children live a healthier life.

Limit your Childs time they watch TV, movies, or play video games and computer usage. Don't allow your child to listen to a loud volume of TV, music, video, or loud playing in the house. You are the parent so whatever it takes for you to reduce the stress that you and your child experience do it.

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