As teenagers navigate their way through the ups and downs of adolescence, so do moms and dads. As parents, it's important to ensure our kids feel safe and happy in their surroundings. A muslin blanket is an often overlooked but incredibly beneficial addition to their personal space. Muslin blankets, made from lightweight breathable cotton fabric, offer many advantages that can positively impact a teenager's physical and emotional well-being. In this article, I will explore some of the benefits of muslin blankets for teenagers during times of anxiety and stress.
It can be a difficult time during adolescence, as stress and anxiety levels often have a tendency to rise due to a multitude of factors, including academic demands, social pressures, family expectations, social media, and uncertainties about the future. As a mom to a 14-year-old myself I have seen the rise of her stress levels as her world expands, and she is introduced to new places, situations, and people. Stress is a natural response to challenging situations, while anxiety is a persistent feeling of worry or fear.
Have you ever watched "A Series of Unfortunate Events" on Netflix? Not the movie, with Jim Carrey, but the mini-series with Neil Patrick Harris? In the opening scene of season 2, episode 3 Lemony Snicket is explaining to us the viewer the difference between being nervous/worried and anxious.
Lemony explains it like this:
"The word "nervous" simply means "worried about something" The way you might feel if you were served prune ice cream because you'd be worried it would taste awful."
"The word "anxious" on the other hand means "troubled by disturbing suspense" The way you might feel if you were served a live alligator because you'd be troubled by the suspense of whether you would eat your dessert or it would eat you."
I remember being an anxious young teen going into 9th grade. All the new trials and tribulations that might occur. What if I can't make new friends? What if I fail science? What if I don't like my teachers? What if I get lost in the halls? Those were my alligators, and I was always troubled by the what-ifs of high school all the way till graduation day. As an adult, I am often troubled by these anxious "alligators" When our teens are feeling stressed about something, we need to find out what is bothering them. Is it an alligator? Or is it just prune-flavored ice cream? When stress and anxiety become overwhelming and interfere with their daily life, it is vital to address them.
Recognizing the signs of stress and anxiety is the first step. It can really make a difference in how you help your child handle those feelings and cope with them. Common symptoms include constant worry, irritability, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, social withdrawal, and physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches. This is an anxiety alligator. What do we do now?
As a parent, you only ever really want the best for your child. Going through adolescence along with your teenager can be just as challenging for you, the parent. I think the best way to begin easing stress and anxiety is by focusing on the home environment. What's challenging them right now? Homework? Friends? Their job? Something they saw or read on Social Media?
Home challenges can be a little easier to address. As parents, we can find the root cause by being present, and available to them, having open lines of communication, setting ground rules for the home, and having a good routine. Sometimes my daughter is very quiet and withdrawn when dealing with stress. Sometimes she blows up and blames her world of worry on me. If she does that's ok. My husband always reminds me not to take it personally. Fred Rogers once said about raising children "Remember what it was like for us as children and know what our children are going through." We were once teenagers too who liked to blame it all on our parents. This is a natural way to release and open up. After my daughter has had some quiet time to herself, she is usually willing to have a conversation with me about what is troubling her.
When this first started happening and we both needed to learn how to handle the stress, anxiety, and hormonal changes of adolescence I read a lot of books, and articles, on reducing stress in teenagers. Deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, and comfortable clothing along with a soft blanket were all suggested. Hey, I have a blanket company (lightbulb moment)! So let's talk muslin and stress relief, and how they can help when the anxiety gator comes lurking.
Muslin blankets can provide teenagers with a sense of security and relaxation with their soft and comforting touch. The gentle pressure and warmth they offer can mimic the soothing feeling of a hug, helping to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.
Another way in which we can help in reducing stress in teenagers is through the teaching of relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation practices help calm them down, reduce stress, and promote emotional stability. Teens may not be open to the idea of these techniques. Heck, I wouldn't have been as a teen. Remember when the discussion happens of trying out these new things, it's important to be patient and kind. It can be a sensitive topic and takes time to understand why we want them to incorporate these techniques and routines. Whether it's trying these new routines together or providing resources for them to try on their own, a gentle approach is always best. After all, we don't want to create more anxiety alligators for them when we are only trying to help. Easier said than done, I know, I know.
Muslin Blankets can be used alongside these techniques to create familiarity in the routine lending to the feeling of comfort and can create a sense of tranquility and reassurance. Stress reduction can become part of a mindful practice created over time with consistency. Have you ever tried wrapping yourself in a muslin blanket while deep breathing or meditating? It can feel like a warm and cozy hug (who doesn't love a hug? I know I love a good hug!) providing a comforting and cocoon-like sensation. This pressure stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" hormones. So why not give this opportunity to our teens to feel this same way? Having a designated space or time for wrapping themselves in the blanket signals a shift from a busy mindset to a more peaceful and intentional state. I completely understand how important it is to find ways for our kids to relax and stay in the present moment. As parents, we also need to step back and practice these techniques. In doing so it will help us, help our kids. Giving our teens a chance to cozy up in a quiet setting, with a soft and warm blanket can really help them unwind and feel less tense, both mentally and physically.
So how do we help when they aren't at home? Maybe they are at a friend's house for the night, or with their grandparents? On vacation? Even though these situations are supposed to be getaways, and reasons to have fun it can still be over-stimulating. A disagreement while at their friend's house, grandma didn't make their favorite cookies but made a healthy vegan, gluten-free option instead, vacation homework every single day they are away? These simple challenges can be difficult for our maturing adolescents, filling them with anxiety and dread. Muslin blankets are incredibly versatile and portable, making them an easy and practical stress-reduction tool to be used in such situations (no wonder there is such thing as security blankets.) Their lightweight nature and their ability to be folded into a small bundle allow for easy transportation, making them ideal for travel or to have on hand during stressful situations. This convenience allows for on-the-go stress relief whenever and wherever it is needed. This also makes less stress and worry for Mom and Dad when they aren't with us. They may be growing up but they will always be our babies. Luckily, when it comes to packing my daughter's bags for an overnight stay or trip, she's pretty laid back about me making sure to include extra pairs of socks and underwear.
Taking steps to reduce stress is vital for maintaining our teen's overall health and well-being, as well as our own. It can be challenging to manage stress, but know that you're not alone and that there are resources available to help you. Remember to prioritize self-care and give yourself the time and space you need to recharge and relax while dealing with the changes your child is experiencing. Both you and your teenager's health and well-being are valuable, and you both deserve to feel your best.
Anxiety alligators may always be lurking in the background and we all know they will come creeping around again soon. Having the knowledge and routines in place to help ease the anxiety they bring is a good starting point in keeping them away. Muslin blankets offer an affordable, simple yet effective tool for achieving a sense of calm and relaxation when those anxiety alligators do start creeping around. We, as parents, have the ability to positively impact our teenagers' emotional state and overall well-being. By promoting happiness and calmness, we can help them tackle anxiety and stress with confidence while supporting their daily routines.
