Counselor's Corner
Quarterly Newsletter
Dear families,
Thanks,
Shannon Cox & Kendall Melton
School Counselors, CWMS
Support for Teens
Managing Stress
Some sources of stress that adolescents often face are:
- School demands
- Negative self-image
- Peer relationship issues
- Unsafe/unstable home life
- Changes in family dynamics
- Death of loved one
- Moving or changing schools
- Too many demands/desire to "do it all"
When adolescents are overwhelmed with stress, that can lead to anxiety, depression, aggression, or poor coping skills and decision making. As parents, you can help your child successfully navigate stress in the following ways:
- Monitor your child's behavior and notice any major changes
- Listen carefully, talk less :)
- Learn and model stress management techniques
- Limit their social media time; monitor online activities (learn about their technology!)
- Support involvement in pro-social activities
Here are some healthy ways students can cope with stress. It's important to have conversations with your child about these techniques and practice them together.
- Exercise & eat health snacks & meals
- Get enough sleep; have consistent bedtime (free from technology)
- Avoid too much caffeine
- Practice deep breathing or muscle relaxation techniques
- Learn practical coping skills (i.e. taking a large task and breaking it down to smaller, more achievable tasks)
- Decrease negative self-talk. Practice turning negative thoughts into positive ones- write them down in visible place.
- Listen to music, draw, write, chat with a friend
- Get outside
- Take a break from social media
Practicing these techniques on a regular basis can help teens reduce and manage stress. Take time to discuss with your child what makes them feel stressed and practice a skill together.
Coping Skills Handout
Resilience
WHAT IS IT?
Resiliency is the ability to thrive despite obstacles and challenges such as trauma and stress.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Reduces stress and anxiety
Increases self awareness
Promotes healthy decision making
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Make connections
Teach the importance of engaging and connecting with friends by using empathy and active listening
Build a strong family network
Help them help others
Increases empowerment
Maintain routines
Teaches time management
Take breaks
Fosters creativity and fun
Teach and promote self care
Include them in your own self care
Help them find things that work for them
Set and move toward goals
Help them set reasonable goals and check in to reach them
Promote positivity
Reinforce things they’ve done well
“There’s always a rainbow at the end of every rain”
Keep things in perspective and maintain hope
Look towards the future
Help them see the good things
Opportunities for self discovery
Increases self awareness and confidence
Accept change
New goals can replace unattainable goals
FOR MORE INFORMATION…
Contact Us
About Us
School Counselor
Last Names L-Z
Kendall Melton, MEd, EdS, NCC
School Counselor
Last Names A-K
Phone: 336-903-4180