Autism Soccer: How to Help Your Autistic Child Manage Stress

How you manage to help your child to deal with stress is determinant in their further development.

Dealing with stress is fundamental to feel better every day and improve our daily routines. Just like adults, children get stressed since its a natural process of growing up. However, helping them deal with stress can create a positive impact in their lives, so here are some tips on how to help your autistic child manage stress.

Help your child know that facing fear is important
It’s very natural to try and avoid situations that make us feel scared, but this can become a problem in the growing and development process of a child which can lead to anxiety and avoid the source of that emotion.A child needs to be taught that facing his/her fears is the healthiest and most natural way to grow and reduce that anxiety.

Teach your child that perfection is not mandatory
Parents naturally want their children to do well in every situation in life; academic work, sports, daily activities and more. But it’s fundamental to understand that kids need the opportunity to be kids!
Although, as a parent, you need to teach them to work hard, and you have to be prepared to accept imperfections and mistakes as your child learn these lessons.

Keep a positive thinking
When a child gets anxious or stressed out, they might fall into negative self-criticism. If they grow with the tendency of focusing on the negative rather than the positive side of things, it can cause your child to get anxious about future situations.
Try to set good examples and draw their attention to positive attributes and situations.

Make time to relax
Just like adults, children need time to relax and rest their minds. Try to schedule fun activities that can help them release anxiety. A relaxing space can help too. A room with lowlights and relaxing sounds can be beneficial.

Set the example
When it comes to self-care and behavior, parents become role models to follow. Since your child will try to emulate your behavior, you must try to avoid excess anxiety and deal with stress in healthy ways so he/she can learn to do the same.
Make sure to schedule enough time to take care of yourself; this way your children will understand how important is self-care in their lives.

Reward any act of bravery
Deliver any positive reward when your child takes a step in standing against his/her fears. You can use tangible prizes such as stickers and treats or intangible rewards as hugs and praises. Rewarding positive behaviors will inspire your child and motivate them to keep a good behavior.

Try to implement these tips in everyday life to help your children grow and improve their behavior. These tips should help them outcome many situations and challenges that may appear in life.
Keep checking our blog and social media networks for more tips, news, and information about everything related to Autism. If you’re interested in Autism Soccer’s project, be sure to check our social media accounts!