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Learn how to help your kids handle daily stressors

Nov. 25 workshop aims to build resiliency in youth

An upcoming workshop for parents may help children better handle stress.

Cindy Andrew, of the Centre for Addictions Research B.C. and the Psychology Foundation of Canada, says building resiliency in our youth by helping manage stress may help their ability to pay attention, learn and help prevent adverse development that can affect youth right into adulthood.

“Fundamentally, parents are important partners and we know resiliency and ability to cope with stress is learned, you are not born with it,” Andrew said. “Just like we help our kids cross the road safely, or all the basics of life, we need to help them develop their stress management skills to be successful and happy in life in general.”

Parents looking for more information on the topic are encouraged to attend Stressed Out Kids, a free workshop set for Nov. 25 at Royal Bay secondary. Andrew, the volunteer chair of the Healthy Schools Committee for the Sooke Parents’ Education Advisory Council, said the event is about supporting parents in their amazing role as parents.

“My favourite quote is, ‘resiliency equals stress plus support.’ Stress in life is an opportunity to manage life’s ups and downs,” she said. “We picked up on the notion of kids and stress because a lot of kids endure a lot …  and (don’t have) the skills and support in learning how to manage it.”

It’s important that youth who may be anxious get help building their skills and in the promotion of good mental health. That conversation gets lost when talking about anxiety Andrew said.

The workshop is one of several planned; future topics will touch on sex, drugs and social media. More than 130 parents attended a recent presentation at Dunsmuir middle school.

“I think all of us could benefit from strengthening our strategies in managing stress,” Andrew said. “We will also do a little bit on what is helpful for adults – what is good for the goose is good for the adult.”

The free workshop starts at 7 p.m. in the conference room at Royal Bay secondary, 3500 Ryder Hesjedal Wy. Child minding is also provided without charge for those who require it.

Interested participants are asked to RSVP by Nov. 20. To register or find out more information, email cindypandrew@gmail.com.

alim@goldstreamgazette.com



Arnold Lim

About the Author: Arnold Lim

I'm an award-winning photojournalist, videographer, producer, and director.
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