Community News

     Parents aren't the only ones who need to de-stress from time to time. Kids can easily become overwhelmed, and if they don't know how to manage their emotions, they can become frustrated and out of control. Sometimes all they need is some space to breathe and de-stress. Taking some of the pressure off a volatile situation can be the difference between a battle and a learning opportunity. 

Here are a few ways parents can help kids can destress at home:

• Take time out from each other - If you notice things are getting heated, walk away, take a few minutes to cool off. 
• Go for a walk - Go outside and walk, even if it is just up and down the block. The exercise and fresh air clears our heads and helps us calm down.
• Remember you are the parent - Sometimes in the heat of the moment, we forget that we are supposed to be the adult and start engaging in unhealthy behavior. You don't have to solve every problem as it comes up. Give yourself space, maybe even a time-out. 
• Gauge where your child is emotionally - Your child might be tired, overwhelmed or worn out from school. Maybe something bad happened and they don't want to tell you. There could several reasons why they don't want to clean their room at that particularly time. Pick your battles and teach your kids how to compromise (take the trash out later, but do it now and you can stay up 10 more minutes, etc...)
• Ask for help - No one tells us how to be parents. Most often we are just winging it. We get tired and overwhelmed, too. Instead of yelling at your kids to do the dishes and getting stressed, talk to a friend first. Hopefully, you can gain a better perspective by the time you are done. Besides, the dishes can wait. 

     Stress is known as the silent killer because it can easily become a chronic problem. It can cause problems such as heart disease, anxiety, even suicide. The sooner kids (and parents) can learn how to manage their stress in healthy ways, the sooner it will become a habit that can last a lifetime. For more ideas about how to de-stress, visit healthline.com.

You may have heard about 211, but you might know that they can help you find solutions to almost any situation. 211 is a free information and referral system linking Iowa residents to health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and governmental programs. It is your a one-stop source of information for those who are looking for a specific service.

211 can offer referrals for the following services:

• Basic Human Needs Resources: food pantries, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance
• Physical and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health care, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, substance abuse and intervention rehabilitation
• Employment Supports: financial assistance, job training, educational programs
• Support For Older Americans And Persons With Disabilities: adult day care, aging and disability resource centers, congregate meals, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services
• Support for Children, Youth and Families: child care, Head Start, family resource centers, holiday assistance, parenting, summer camps and recreation programs, summer meal programs, mentoring, protective services
• Volunteer Opportunities and Donation Services

According to the website, these are just a few of the services available in the 211 database. Specialists can refer callers to a variety of service that best meets their needs. 211 is the number to call when you aren’t sure who to call.

To learn more about this service, visit their website.