School has started and children are adjusting to back-to-school routines. The beginning of a new school year brings additional responsibilities, activities, anxiety, and stress. As a trusting adult in a Cloverbud’s life, we can help our Cloverbud youth learn to manage change and talk about how they are feeling.
It can be hard to find out what is causing stress and anxiety in children. One way to begin the conversation is by using a children’s book. When children see themselves in a book, they connect at a deeper
level with the story. Check out the Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Reading Adventures for many books with activities, snacks, games, and crafts ready to go. One book that could be used to start a conversation is The Rainbow Fish, Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Reading Adventure.
Another great technique is to simply chat with the child. Pay attention to the conversation. Sometimes it is difficult for Cloverbuds to identify the word they are feeling but they know something is different.
As you finish your 4-H year and prepare for the next, take time to reflect with your Cloverbuds.
- What is your favorite memory from this year in 4-H?
- What do you hope to get better at this next year?
- What is the best thing about 4-H?
- What do you like most about yourself?
- What are you most excited about learning in 4-H next year?
Encourage them to find ways to seek additional opportunities to lower their stress. Some suggestions are playing with friends, being outside, reading a book, or counting to ten and taking deep breaths.
Links for children’s books about managing stress:
- https://fit.sanfordhealth.org/blog/top-10-childrens-books-to-help-kids-with-stress-and-anxiety
- https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=22612
- https://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/fifteen-librarian-recommended-books-for-kids-dealing-with-anxiety