Helping Children Relax and Recharge
We all need a break from responsibilities to reduce stress and enjoy life. That’s just as true for children and teens as it is for adults. Rest is essential for good mental health, relationships, school performance, and overall quality of life. Discover how to create a family culture that supports a healthy balance between work and play.
How Can I Help My Child Relax?
Relaxation is calming. Depending on your child’s age and personality, relaxing might involve:
You may want to encourage relaxation activities after school, before bedtime, or any time your child seems stressed or anxious.
How Do Children Recharge?
The best way for youth to recharge is to do things they love. Energy for the mind, body, and soul comes from engaging in mood-boosting activities that fill our cup emotionally, fueling us to do the more mundane tasks in life. Notice what your children enjoy most and regularly allow them to engage in those things.
Your child might get an energy boost from:
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Spending time with siblings, friends, or a pet
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Listening to their favorite music
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Going to the park or a playground
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Playing indoor or outdoor games
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Participating in hobbies or sports that bring them joy
Good times to encourage energizing activities are in the morning or before chores. These activities may also briefly help your child who seems down or tired, but chronic depression likely requires professional treatment.
Give Yourself a Break, Too
It’s common for parents to prioritize their children's needs over their own, but you need to care for yourself to be a good parent. If your children see you make time to rest and enjoy fun activities, they’ll realize doing so is an important part of life. Let your children hear you say “no” to optional tasks and ask for help so you can take a break. By modeling these behaviors, you’ll make it easier for your children to set healthy boundaries as they grow up.
Acknowledge Social Expectations
Teens and young adults may feel societal pressure to be productive. Reassure them that their value isn’t based on achievements. Remind them of their inherent value as your child — and as a human being — and that you are more interested in who they are than what they accomplish.
If you’re managing a younger child’s schedule, don’t overload it. Allow plenty of space for unstructured play and creativity throughout the week. Free time supports mental health and is crucial for brain development.
Recognize Signs of Burnout
Burnout can occur in the form of mental, physical, or emotional exhaustion. In children, burnout can occur when children are dealing with ongoing stress factors or frustrations and are not given the time they need to decompress.
Without sufficient rest and rejuvenation, your child might:
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Experience physical symptoms that don’t have a medical explanation, like stomachaches, headaches, or muscle tension
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Lose their temper or cry over small disappointments
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Be unable to stop thinking about their responsibilities, like a school project, recital, or athletic competition
It has never been harder to be a child or teen than it is in today’s complex world. Many youth struggle with their thoughts and feelings. Compounded with a busy schedule, symptoms of anxiety and depression have become commonplace.
Don’t wait for these symptoms to appear before encouraging rest and fun activities. Allow for downtime every day to help your children and teens stay mentally fit and healthy.
