Summer break is coming up quickly, but before students can sit back and relax, many have final exams, final concerts and play-offs at after-school activities and even SATs and college applications to cross off their to-do lists.

Children and teens experience just as much stress in their lives as adults, and can have trouble articulating their feelings. As parents and adults, we have a wonderful opportunity to teach our keiki to develop good habits in handling stress.

In recognition of April’s Stress Awareness Month, consider how the children in your life are coping with their stresses, and how you can help them channel their worries into healthy energy and a positive perspective.

>> Be aware of signs and symptoms: Changes in behavior — moodiness, irritability, withdrawing from favorite activities, acting fearful or clingy — are often sure signs that your child is struggling with stress. Stress can also manifest itself through physical symptoms, which include a loss of appetite, fatigue or insomnia, or headaches and stomachaches.

>> Spend time with each other: Talk to your kids about their sources of stress. Whether it’s figuring out a solution to a problem or being a sounding board for their frustrations, making time to talk shows you care. Be sure to listen and give them time to talk. If your child is worried about a specific situation, such as the first day of school, he or she might benefit from hearing you go over what to expect to alleviate anxiety.

>> Encourage physical activity: Exercise is a great stress-buster for all ages, especially if it involves spending time with friends or family. Encourage kids to have fun with their favorite activities, such as biking or bodysurfing. Be aware that although organized sports are great for health and well-being, they can also be sources of stress if kids don’t like the activity, feel pressured to do well or have an overwhelming amount of extracurricular commitments.

>> Eat well, feel better: Teens might turn to unhealthy snacks and sugary caffeinated drinks when they feel stressed and overwhelmed or might lose their appetite and skip meals. Eating nutritious meals regularly and incorporating healthy snacks will help children feel better and can even boost concentration.

>> Get a good night’s rest: Good sleep helps kids feel well rested and ready to face the challenges of the day. Getting enough sleep (nine to 10 hours per night) helps students focus on schoolwork and reduces irritability. Avoid caffeine and limit screen time for at least several hours before bed to help children wind down, and encourage students not to procrastinate to complete their homework.

Above all, encourage and appreciate your children, and be aware of the external stressors they can experience while growing up, to help keiki develop healthy habits and grow.

Dr. Michael Hamilton is a pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente Honolulu Medical Office and the current president of the Hawaii chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.