Helping Kids Handle Pre-Pesach Stress—From the Inside Out

As Pesach approaches, the pressure rises—cleaning, planning, hosting, or traveling. And while we’re running from room to room with our to-do lists, our kids are picking up on the stress in the air.

Naturally, we want to help. So we talk. We try to calm them down with logic:

“Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”

“We’ll be done soon.”

“Just think positive!”

And sometimes it works. But sometimes… it doesn’t.

That’s because stress doesn’t only live in the head. It lives in the body.

Our kids’ tight shoulders, shallow breaths, fidgeting, meltdowns—it’s their way of saying, “I’m holding too much.”

What they often need isn’t more words.

What they need is a way to let it out—physically.

Think:

• A few deep breaths together, in through the nose, out through the mouth.

• A spontaneous dance break while folding laundry.

• A tight bear hug or back rub.

• Even a shared laugh over something silly.

These simple, body-based tools can calm a child in seconds. No lectures. No perfect timing. Just presence.

So yes, talk things through when it feels right. Use your wisdom.

But don’t forget the quiet magic of the body.

Especially during this season, when the energy is high and the expectations are higher.

Your calm, your touch, your breath—it grounds them more than you know.