A parent’s job is to raise children who can function independently in the adult world. But getting them to that stage can be a challenge. In the modern age, we don’t have a rite of passage, so to speak, so young people often coast into adulthood, without actually ever getting there. What’s more, there are more pressures on mental health than ever before.
North Kansas City Schools highlights the issue in full. It points out that kids’ mental health was bad before the pandemic because of things like substance abuse, depression, bullying and exam stress. COVID-19 has made that worse by adding to the angst and fear. For many kids, restrictions have been in place for as long as they can remember, and they are wondering whether it will ever change.
Parents, though, don’t have to sit idly by and watch their children’s mental health deteriorate. Instead, they can take action right now. Here’s what to do:
Create A Sense Of Belonging
Children are not independent adults, able to take on the world, standing on their own two feet. Instead, they’re highly dependent on others. It’s hard-wired into them, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Problems arise, though, when they don’t feel a strong sense of belonging. When they’re not a part of a larger community, they can feel lonely, isolated and worried. This can then lead to further problems in their adult lives.
To resolve this, students, staff and parents need to come together to make sure that kids have the support that they need. Children should be part of multiple social groups and live full lives, not be house-bound.
Encourage Them To Help Others
Children should also get clear messages from their parents about the importance of helping others. Life isn’t just about serving one’s ego. Instead, healthy people always look outwards for opportunities to add value to other people’s lives. That’s the root of happiness.
As a parent, you can model this behavior yourself. Instead of adopting self-seeking attitudes, take a stance where you routinely do things for others. Children will naturally follow your patterns, doing the same when the opportunities arise.
Develop Physical Health
Childhood obesity is a leading public health issue at present, but the government won’t be able to solve it. If there is to be any change on this front, it has to come from the actions of parents.
The biggest thing that needs to change is the diet. Parents should avoid sugary snacks and drinks and replace them with whole foods.
Physical health also requires regular exercise and strength-building activities. Kids who don’t get enough of these will won’t develop the required muscularity for sports, cycling, hiking and other strenuous activities.
Encourage Positive Decision-Making
Lastly, parents can help their children make better decisions that will serve them, not work against them. This is perhaps the most difficult part of the whole process. The trick is to get your child to take ownership of decision-making themselves. They should feel like they are acting in their own best interest when making the right choice, not just doing what the adults around them are telling them to do.