Schoolfamily.com - Helping parents help their kids succeed at school

Exams, papers, reports card, oh my. Not to mention the excitement of the holidays, time off from school, and the ever-present runny nose. December can be a very stressful and busy time for children of all ages. Anxiety can be a motivator for some kids, but it can also paralyze others from living up to their potential.

If your child is having trouble keeping it together through all the stress of December, try taking some time to help her learn simple relaxation techniques.

For a start, even a few minutes of sitting quietly or throwing a ball around outside with you can relieve tension that builds around studying for tests and writing papers.

You might also try simple breathing techniques, like these outlined below.

Sit in a quiet place away from phones, school work, music, computers.

Notice your breath; hear your breath.

Put your hand on your belly and notice how breathing makes your belly move.

Now breath in to the count of three and breath out to the count of three.

Do this for just a minute or two and see if it helps remove the clutter of the day from your child's mind.