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But parent involvement is key. Chi Kids teachers recommend that parents have conversations with their children to demystify stress. Instead of turning away from their fears, identifying symptoms such as what we call racing heart and monkey mind help children learn how those stress signals can help them decipher emotions, giving them the tools they need for a healthy body and mind. They can learn to soothe their internal storm with techniques like mindfulness meditation, imagery, progressive relaxation and other methods that by design calm their nervous system.

Many parents ask, “Are kids more stressed because we’re more stressed?” After all, we are the original ‘Generation Stressed’, with the latest national studies showing parents of school age kids to be the most stressed among us. Hard wired with neurons designed to match one another, our children are our most powerful mirrors, matching our states of mind and body.

“Children apply the tools for change far more consistently when their parents join in too,” says Schmidt.

Our kids are calling on us to show up in a playful, non-anxious and connected state of being. So when parents and kids de-stress together by writing their worries on sticky notes, building worry walls, or getting a move on with a little yoga or exercise, everyone benefits.

What’s the single most important thing a parent can do when their child is facing stress? Be available with support, validate that feelings are meant to be felt, that underneath all that internal noise exists an authentic strength, and that they are deeply valued — no matter what.

Share your thoughts on this or another mind-body health topic by email: mmobile@shaw.ca