By Kac Young PhD, N.D., DCH
Continued from part 1 of this article…..
For some kids, feelings of stress, frustration, helplessness, hurt, or anger can be overwhelming. And without a way to express or release the feelings, a kid may feel like a volcano ready to erupt — or at least let off steam.
The poll also revealed important news for parents. 75% of the kids surveyed said they want and need their parents’ help in times of trouble. When they’re stressed, they’d like their parents to talk with them, help them solve the problem, try to cheer them up, or just spend time together. (2)
Talk with your kids. Notice when something is bothering them. Ask them questions with concern and no judgment. Listen with compassion. Encourage them to freely express themselves. Be patient as they find the words and always be a safe harbor for their feelings. Offer to help but don’t try to “fix” anything for them unless they ask. It helps to give them the benefit of the doubt. Remember, they are growing and learning how to function in the world every day.
If your kids are ending up in the ER with pains chances are there’s something wrong with how they are eating, too. Healthy bodies are generally free from chronic pain. To keep them healthy be sure you feed them healthy foods. Make sure they have plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber. Teach kids how to cook with soy, rice and almond cheeses. Dump the high saturated fat cheeses and use alternatives that taste great and melt well. Reduce sugar and salt in their diets. Sugar causes spikes in their metabolisms and can lead to diabetes and obesity. Salt increases blood pressure and can lead to dehydration. Skip the soda pop and the sugary fountain drinks. Teach them to moderate their intake of high-sugar products and supply them with more energy from foods packed with nutrition and not preservatives.
Make your pizzas at home using a whole wheat crust, alternative cheese and plenty of vegetables. Lose the cheeseburger and have veggie burgers instead. Reduce salt in everything you cook and avoid fast food restaurants where salt is king.
You can take the stress off your kids by helping them consume farm to table fresh foods. Make sure they get plenty of exercise, drink water instead of sodas and let them participate in preparing wholesome family meals. Ask for ideas and input. Kids are creative and they follow examples better than they follow instructions. If you keep their participation in the kitchen fun and positive, you will help keep them out of the ER. You can get more healthy recipes kids will enjoy at: www.HeartEasy.com
References:
(1) Thomas A. Coffelt, MD, from the Department of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, and colleagues analyzed the de-identified records of 3752 pediatric patients up to 18 years old who were admitted for chronic pain between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2010.
(2) http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/kids_stress.html#
– Kac Young, a former television director and producer, has earned a PhD in Natural Health and is a Doctor of both Clinical Hypnotherapy and Naturopathy. She is the author of 10 books. Heart Easy is a system of nutritionally sound, delicious meals that promote heart health, long life and taste great. In the Heart Easy cook book sound nutritional advice is followed by family favorites that have been turned into heart healthy meals anyone can make and everyone will love.