Stress in modern times is not just afflicted to adults but is common among kids too. The life of a kid today is not just limited to studies, school and free play at home. There’s a lot going on in their lives such as study pressure, peer pressure, social media addiction, broken families etc. to name a few. It is very important to engage kids in activities that provide mental, social and physical stimulation and help in keeping stress at bay.
The following are some time-tested strategies for helping kids overcome stress:
- Avoid Overscheduling: Parents who overschedule a child’s day are contributing to their stress levels and this might not have positive effects as they grow. There are too many expectations from kids these days. We expect them to perform well in academics and extra-curricular activities. Minimal attention is given to the amount of time they get to rest, play and sleep.
- Sleep: Sleep is non-negotiable. Kids need at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep for their brains and bodies to function normally. Cutting down on the quality and quantity of your child’s sleep could lead to side effects such as headaches, irritability, anxiety and of course stress. Good sleep has been shown to improve grades at school. Creating a conducive environment for your child in his room helps facilitate sleep. Avoid having gadgets like TV’s, video games and cell phones in your child’s room.
- Enrolling Your Kids In Fun-Centric Activities: Do some research on clubs around your area that organize fun-based activities. Enrolling kids in such clubs will help them unwind from their rigorous routines. Some examples of activities at such after-school fun clubs are drawing, painting, playing musical instruments, story-telling, book reading and much more. There is something to suit every child’s interest.
- Play: Unsupervised playtime has a very calming effect on kids. Encourage your child to step out every day and play with kids around. It will help your child on many levels. Playing helps children develop on the emotional, social and physical front. It helps the brain release feel-good chemicals which boost the mood and significantly lowers stress levels. You can also use play as an opportunity of bonding with your child one on one. Kids find it very relaxing to spend time with their parents. Games like chess, scrabble, Ludo, table tennis, badminton, etc. are great for parents and children.
- Set An Example: Kids have a tendency of emulating what their parents feel and do. Be the change you want to see in them. Give them a break. Relax by sparing a few minutes daily to meditate, do yoga or a simply go out for a walk with them.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, offer a wide range of programs for kids from 6 to 18 years of age. To enroll your child at the club, call at (254) 699 –5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.
The incorporation of drama education in schools has the potential of bringing up profound changes in the academic performance of a student in addition to building vital individual skills. Drama education benefits students on a physical, emotional and social level.
Let’s take a look at some major benefits of drama education:
- Increases Self-Confidence: Drama education makes students comfortable with facing unfamiliar situations and people. Drama expands their horizons and helps them think outside the box. Students become more confident about their ideas and abilities in school, at the workplace later in life and in the society. Participating in dramas is a boon for introvert and reserved children.
- Creativity: Drama education promotes creative thinking in students. They are open to trying out new ideas and looking at things from different angles. Drama boosts their imaginative faculties and expression.
- Working As A Team: Students who are engaged in drama at school learn to look at things from the perspective of others. This instils a sense of cooperation in them. They learn how to hold healthy discussions with others and how to gracefully accept feedback from others.
- Improved Communication Skills: Verbal and non-verbal communication are an essential part of drama education. Students in this field have to work on their vocal projection, expressions, articulation and tone. This tremendously improves their communication, listening and observation skills.
- Reduces Stress: Drama is a wonderful stress buster for students. It creates a playful and energized atmosphere. Drama students are usually a humorous and motivated lot. They get a chance to release all their aggression and tension filled emotions in a safe and structured way. It helps them come to terms with their own emotions in a more mature way.
- Sharper Memory: Remembering the lines and movements in drama workout the brain and improves memory.
- Empathy: As students play the role of different people in their drama class, they become aware and sensitive towards the feelings of others. Being empathetic makes them better citizens and caring humans.
- Better Health: Drama education not only boosts the mental faculties but also the physical ones. Performers are required to make intensive movements over a long period of time. This improves their flexibility and coordination.
- Adaptability: Drama teaches students to quickly adapt to a given situation and improvise. They foster the habit of thinking quickly and communicating flawlessly with the audience. They learn how to take any unexpected situation in their stride and take hold of a situation.
Thus, the benefits of drama education go far beyond the classroom into the daily lives of students. Drama education not only boosts confidence in students, it also promotes self-discipline, a spirit of overcoming obstacles, communication and language skills and much more.
We, at Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Texas, offer a wide range of programs for kids from 6 to 18 years of age. To enroll your child at the club, call at (254) 699 – 5808 or visit 304 W Ave B, Killeen, TX – 76541.