Have you noticed how peaceful the lifestyle is here in Mexico? You probably took note of it within the first 24 hours, or even the first 24 minutes of setting foot in Puerto Vallarta.
Each day is greeted with an easy smile. Time seems to slow down and no one is in a hurry. Residents count their blessings: sunny skies, rippling ocean waves and a rich life with friends and family. It is truly a “Mexican State of Mind”.
Every year, guests slow down and relax. It is our hope that they take a little bit of this experience home with them, alongside the occasional souvenir and bottle of tequila. It is because we know what awaits you and your family upon your return: life, with all of its ups and downs, successes and stress, stress, stress.
“Okay, yes, I have stress and that is why we are on vacation,” you may think. “Besides, does real stress even exist for kids?”
Yes, anything that is overwhelming is considered to be stressful and it affects everyone. According to Jennifer Shroff Pendley’s online article, “Childhood Stress”, “Pressures often come from outside sources (such as family, friends or school), but they can also come from within. The pressure we place on ourselves can be most significant because there is often a discrepancy between what we think we ought to be doing and what we are actually doing in our lives.”
Depending upon a child’s age, stress manifests itself in many ways. You may recognize some of these symptoms:
- Nausea and headaches
- Fatigue
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Nightmares, bedwetting and teeth grinding
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Increased time alone
- Acting younger than their age
- Reacting out of anger/lashing out
- Constant whining and meltdowns
- Having to drag them to activities
- Taking it out on themselves (hitting, cutting, etc.)
- Preoccupation with one particular thing or incident
- Drops in productivity and grades
Keep in mind that these symptoms are typical of children anyway and may not be attributed to stress alone. Trust your instincts and become an amateur “Sherlock Holmes” to investigate a little further. Of course, should the symptoms persist or cause significant problems at home or in school, professional guidance may be necessary.
Recognizing how your child manifests stress will give you a huge advantage in helping them to cope. Because Puerto Vallarta has so much to do, from our beautiful beaches to rich mountainside, you will be given countless opportunities to engage in conversation.
When your child is ready, ask questions about the hopes and dreams he or she may have, or any challenges and stresses. Most of all, listen. Help it to understand what it can control. Brainstorm ideas for healthy lifestyle habits. You may even be inspired by what you see here in Mexico.
Some of these ideas may include:
- Cooking nutritious food together and having family meals
- Including daily exercise and free play
- Establishing a relaxed bedtime routine
- Developing boundaries with consistency
- Re-evaluating weekly schedules and activities
- Limiting “screen time” (TV, computers, and videogames)
- Introducing stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga
You know your child the best so have fun and dream it up. Allow him to select a special token that reminds him of Puerto Vallarta and resets his state of mind.
Taking a vacation is a lifelong gift to you and your family. Relax, recharge, rejuvenate and reboot. Bask in the sun; enjoy the blue waters; and relish in the sights and sounds of this favorite international destination. And when you leave, set your own “Mexican State of Mind”.
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