Health Tip: Protect Kids From Stress

(HealthDay News) -- Stress is an unavoidable part of life, even for young children. But parents can take steps to help children learn to deal with it in a healthy way.

The Nemours Foundation lists these suggestions for helping kids cope:

• Make sure your child eats nutritious foods and gets plenty of rest, and that you enjoy quality time with your kids every day -- make sure they know you're there to talk and share fun activities together.

• Talk to your child about what's causing the stress and ways to deal with it, such as doing fewer after-school activities, writing in a journal or developing a regular exercise routine.

• Try to prepare your child for stressful situations, such as giving the child advance notice of a doctor's appointment and what it will involve.

• Reassure your child that their emotions (anger, fear, anxiety, etc.) are normal, and you're confident in their ability to handle their situations.