Kids Need Extra Support These Days, Especially As They Head Back to School
"According to recent research, the mental health of kids living in the US is in crisis. A survey of 1,007 American parents conducted in June 2022 by Verywell Mind and Parents found that 54 percent of parents are at least somewhat concerned about their kid’s mental health. About 1 in 3 (35 percent) said their child had shown signs of struggle or emotional distress at least once a week.
Here's what your kid might be worrying about, and how to help them.
Ongoing COVID-19 Stress
A 2020 survey of 1,000 parents around the country, facilitated by the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, reported that 71 percent of parents said the pandemic had taken a toll on their child’s mental health.
This anxiety doesn’t necessarily only have to do with a fear of getting sick or spreading the virus to others. “Lots of children struggle with having to return to school after getting comfortable with virtual learning and having to leave the safety and comfort of their home,” Dr. Khan says. Many people may not truly realize how the ability to socialize and connect with others has been impacted by the pandemic.
Picking Up on Adult Worries
Issues that affect parents have a trickle-down effect on kids for several reasons. "If parents are stressed, kids will pick up on that," says Morin.
Kids need to feel heard and validated, so even if you think their emotions are irrational or exaggerated, it's important to acknowledge how they feel. Educating your child about anxiety helps them learn to recognize the physical and emotional symptoms they're experiencing. And modeling healthy coping skills, like exercising, doing something creative, or talking about your feelings, equips with with crucial tools for the rest of their life.
Helping Your Child Transition Back to School
Whatever is at the root of your child's back-to-school worries, you can do several things to help the transition less stressful.
Doreen Marshall, PhD, the Vice President of Mission Engagement at American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, recommends encouraging your child to connect to their school’s mental health resources, learn what services are available, and utilize them when needed. "Empower them to solve problems rather than fixing issues for them," says Morin. "Sit down and brainstorm strategies that may help and encourage them to pick the solution they want to try." Morin also advises establishing predictable routines for your kids. The occasional mental health day can be helpful if it's used to help your child reset, learn new coping skills, or get treatment for mental health."
Read the complete article available at Very Well Mind!
Reflection:
What else can we do to support the Mental Well-being of children?
#Children #Stress #Anxiety #MentalHealth
@comfortableNight4463 I completely agree thank you for sharing ❤️
@jasmineishereforu You're most welcome!
@comfortableNight4463 In my opinion, picking up a kid from school is essential. First of all, the parent gets to see the kid's real feelings and its relationship with classmates and teachers.
Apart from that, school can be generally stressful for kids for a number of reasons. Supportive conversations about school in the family are very important to help kids go through anxiety and manage the responsibilities.
In longterm this helps them develop and become healthy adults.
Thanks for the post!
@calmDew1576 Yes! This can be quite important. Children should be heard and their struggles shouldn't be diminished. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!