All families experience stress. Just being parents and meeting the everyday needs of children is stressful sometimes. If there are a lot of changes, an accident or illness, money problems or relationship problems, parents can sometimes feel overwhelmed. 

Children feel the stress too, and then challenging behaviors can lead to even more stress. 

Parenting is a team effort, and here in Juneau there are community resources to help you build your support team.

Children experiencing stress

★      Can  be angry and disobey, or be sad and withdrawn.

★      May go back to younger behaviors, such as thumb sucking or trouble with toilet training.

★      May have trouble sleeping.

★      Need more reassurance and positive attention, even though they may be acting out.

What you can do to help your child

★      Recognize and accept your child’s feelings, and help your child know it is normal to be sad, angry, or scared.

★      Reassure your child that you love them. Try to spend special time each day focusing on an enjoyable activity together.

★      Try to find a calming routine you can do every day, like reading a book every night or taking a short walk together to look at a favorite tree.

★      Build and call on supports such as family, friends, or a faith community.

Contact Numbers

Juneau Counselors:

Ask your doctor, public health nurse, or employee assistance program for a referral to a local counselor.  You can find a description and list of counselors at www.juneaumentalhealth.org

SEARHC: 463-4040

A full range of medical, behavioral health and child services available to Alaska Native families.

SEARHC Crisis help line. 1-877-294-0074

For all Southeast Alaska residents, for personal or family crisis matters. You talk to a real counselor. Confidential, effective, and compassionate.

Juneau Youth Services (JYS): 789-7610

A team of highly qualified counselors is available to assess needs and help access the services best suited for your child