Tips for Kids

Whether you are a kid, a parent, a teacher, coach or someone who works with kids, it’s good to have resources to deal with scary, overwhelming situations.

If you need help or would like to talk to someone about what you're feeling, call the PIRC Helpline at 1-800-CHILDREN, 9am-10pm.

 

Here are some ideas for kids who are feeling upset or stressed:

• Talk to your school counselor, or a friend.

• Draw a picture about how you feel.

• Write in your diary.

• Get more sleep if you're tired.

• Read a book or listen to music.

• Exercise, walk, bike or shoot baskets.

• Try to talk and listen to the person who made you feel this way.

• Feelings are always OK. But no matter how bad you feel, don't hurt yourself or someone else.

• When someone does something that makes you feel bad, use an 'I' message: "I get frustrated when you won't listen to my side of the story."

• If you're feeling bad about yourself, turn bad into good. When you think something bad about yourself, try to remember something good too.

You can find more:

• Kids Health: A Nemours Foundation web site that offers kids and teens advice about physical and emotional health.

• Covenant House: A resource for teenagers who have or are thinking about running away from home.

• Teen Central: A web site for and by teens. A place for teens to get help for their problems.

• American Academy of Pediatrics: An organization dedicated to the health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.