There was a time when no one talked about stress because it wasn’t a common word, least of all when pertaining to de-stressing kids. What could children possibly be stressed about?
Fast forward to today and let’s look at the definition of stress: “a mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances”. Today, no one would even hesitate to question whether our kids are possibly stressed out – the issue now is how to control the level of stress in our children’s lives.
Tips for De-Stressing Kids
Here are some helpful suggestions to consider for de-stressing kids:
Reduce Environmental Stress
- Establish regular routines for both daytime and nighttime
- Control the electromagnetic frequency (EMFs) in the house
- Reduce excess noise
- Green your home by removing everything toxic
- Buy organic and non-toxic products
- Improve the air and water quality in your home
- Eliminate fluorescent, LED and other types of harsh light
Remove the Following from Your Child’s Diet
Give Your Child Good-Quality Fats
Fat is essential for optimal brain function. Use organic or pastured versions of the following:
- Cod liver oil
- Evening primrose oil
- Borage oil
- Flax oil
- Hempseed oil
- Coconut oil
- Ghee
- Lard
- Chicken schmaltz
- Tallow
- Duck fat
- Olive oil
- Avocado oil
Remove Unhealthy Fats from Your Child’s Diet
- Corn oil
- Soy oil
- Canola oil
- Other vegetable oils
- Sunflower oil
- Safflower oil
- Margarine
- Hydrogenated vegetable oils
- Trans fat
Consider Adding in Supplements
Have your child tested to see if there is a nutritional deficiency in:
- B vitamins, which are calming to the nervous system
- Pantothenic acid (B5), which is the vitamin for stress, trace minerals and electrolyte
- PharmaGABA, which is a type of GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter) that crosses the blood brain barrier to calm the brain
- SAMe, which elevates serotonin in the brain to improve the mood, essential fatty acids
- DHA
- Neuromins (microalgy)
- Lithium orotate
- Phosphatidylserine
- Phosphatidylcholine
Test for Irregularities and Imbalances
Ensure Enough Sleep
- Limit computer, video devices, smartphones and TV before bed
- Make sure your child is not overstimulated during the day by technology
- Reduce sugar and carbohydrates in the diet, especially before bed
- Supplement with L-tryptophan, melatonin, homeopathic sleep remedies (coffea cruda), valerian root, chamomile, and essential oils for sleep (lavender)
Rid the Body of the Following
- Yeast overgrowth
- Candida
- Mold
- Fungus
- Parasites
- Heavy metals
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Other pathogens that can be stimulating and over-burdening the nervous system and sensory system
Detoxify the Body
- Epsom salt baths
- Homeopathy
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
- Garlic
- Cilantro
- Alpha lipoic acid
- Zeolith
- MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
- Chlorella
- Other natural detox supplements
Support the Adrenals
- Rescue Remedy
- Adaptogenic herbs
- Himalayan, Celtic or other unprocessed salt
- Animal organs such as liver
- Bone broth
- Magnesium
- Other minerals
- Vitamins B5 and B6
- Homeopathic remedies
- Blood-sugar optimization
Consider Therapies
- Craniosacral therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Reflex integration therapies
- Correcting vision dysfunction with vision therapy
- Sensory integration occupational therapy
- Auditory integration therapy
- Neurobiofeedback
- Brain Balance
- EMDR
- Sound stimulation
- Music therapy
- Brain Harmony
Add in Exercise
- Yoga, tai chi or qi gong
- Swimming
- Karate
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Gymnastics
- Movement activities of any kind
Participate in Activities
- Blowing bubbles
- Hands-on comforting and nurturing
- Deep breathing
- Music
Other Ideas for De-Stressing Kids
- Give your child probiotics and fermented foods to heal the gastrointestinal tract and microbiome by repopulating the good microbes
- Make sure your child eats breakfast and has some protein in the morning
- Ensure your child doesn’t skip meals
- Ensure your child is drinking enough water and getting enough electrolytes to avoid dehydration
- Make sure your child has normal cholesterol levels. Low cholesterol affects cortisol levels, causing stress and anxiety.
If your child is non-verbal, try to find modalities that create some form of communication to avoid frustration and high anxiety. Also use visuals to communicate what to expect or what’s coming next to avoid anxiety due to the unknown.
Still Looking for Answers?
Visit the Documenting Hope Practitioner Directory to find a practitioner near you.
Join us inside our online membership community for parents, Healing Together, where you’ll find even more healing resources, expert guidance, and a community to support you every step of your child’s healing journey.
