Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we talk to our kids about mental health and consistently check in on how they are feeling and in general, coping with things in their lives. You may think your child is alright but that is not always the case. Especially as tweens and teens, they can put on a front of being okay even if they’re not.
Between school, social media, friend drama, peer pressure, and self-pressure, kids today, especially teens, are constantly bombarded with stressful situations. They are so connected to one another through technology, that they don’t have a chance to shut off the world and just relax and be a kid. This is adding to and making worse the mental health challenges many children face.
As we continue the 2023/24 school year in Fremont County, let’s work together to make sure our children and young adults are getting the help they need.
What can we do as parents?
For starters, as a parent in today’s world, we must know our child from the inside out. Who are their friends? What are their struggles? Do they have any anxieties? What are their hopes and dreams and do these add to their stress?
How do we do this?
There are many ways as parents we can get to the heart of our children. Number one is talking with them honestly and openly. Let them know that they can tell you things without repercussions. Open up the line of communication and build a bond of trust that makes them want to talk to you about what may be troubling them. The good things are easy to talk about. The hard things may take time and as a parent, patience is definitely a virtue. Remember: start a conversation, ask questions, pay attention and listen.
Spend time with your children. Family activities lead to great conversation. After all, how do you spell love? T I M E.
If your child suffers from a mental illness or behavioral health issues, be sure to get them the help they need. Teach them that it’s okay to reach out for help. The younger, the better. This can set them on a thriving path in life. Let’s all break the stigma that is put on mental illness and give our children a brighter future!
For a list of resources in Fremont County and Nationwide, click here.
