Tune Out Stress
Picking up a musical instrument is a great way for kids to fight stress.
A study recently revealed that playing a musical instrument for fun can help reverse the human stress response. Provide your kids with a healthy distraction by having simple instruments and musical toys around for them to strum, tap, pick, bang, or pound on. Even a box-and-rubber band guitar or a bucket drum will do the trick.
Music is a powerful way to connect with your children, no matter what their ages. Even babies and toddlers naturally respond to rhythm and melody, whether they snuggle close while you're making music or they produce the beat on their own. Young kids love clapping and tapping their feet, and with some assistance, they can learn to use a variety of instruments suited to their capabilities.
When playing music for relaxation, encourage kids to focus on personal expression and keeping their jam sessions light and fun. If they're too intent on being perfect, it will only increase their stress level. Storytelling, journal-writing, and meditation also can help kids reduce stress. In addition, your doctor can explain other relaxation techniques, such as having children use their imagination to develop positive and relaxing images or teaching them to systematically tense and relax various muscle groups.
