Moms and dads hanging around with kids can aid their psychological health and wellness. The Citizen family members views the sundown in Tallahassee after consuming supper with each other on March 28, 2021.
Tallahassee Democrat by means of Imagn Web Content Solutions, LLC
Every parent is concerned when their children face social and emotional struggles, particularly when there are signs of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, aggression and poor grades. However, most parents don’t realize the important role they play in preventing and ameliorating mental health problems.
Parents readily accept their role in preventing and treating physical health problems. They watch out for fevers, treat bruises and wouldn’t think of neglecting preventive measures like frequent dental care, vision care, annual check-ups and daily hygiene rituals. But few parents spend the same time and energy on their child’s emotional well-being, and with the American Pediatrics Association declaring a mental health crisis for children and teens, something has to change.
Emotional problems are as impactful as physical ailments. Startling statistics reveal that over one in five youth aged 13-18 have experienced a severely debilitating mental illness. These challenges affect academic performance and have long-term consequences, increasing the risk of substance abuse, self-harm and even suicide.
Calls for more mental health services are well-placed, but where are these services going to come from? There was a shortage of mental health professionals serving children even before the COVID-19 pandemic and now the situation has worsened considerably. Like teachers, mental health providers are subjected to increasing demands and burnout is at an all-time high.
So where are we going to find people who are dedicated to children and have the time and resources to help them? Parents are the obvious answer, assuming we can help them understand their role in preventing and treating mental health problems.
There is substantial research dating back more than 50 years showing that parents can be just as impactful as trained therapists. By combining some basic psychological techniques with intuition, parents can make a significant impact on promoting their children’s emotional resilience.
Lawrence Shapiro, author of the “Secret Language of Children” and an expert in emotional intelligence, advocates that parents spend just 10 minutes a day dedicated to prevention activities which can significantly reduce the likelihood of lifelong issues, such as anxiety and depression. He points out that child therapists use techniques that parents already understand. They play games with children to teach social and emotional skills, they use art to help children express their feelings, and most of all they use “active listening,” which encourages children to communicate their needs and find ways to solve their own problems.
As a former school board member, I have advocated for mental health services in schools. However, we must recognize that schools primarily focus on academic learning and are not mental health agencies.
Parents are the first line of defense in prevention. Practical steps they can take include:
▪ Listening to their children without judgment and showing empathy about their emotional struggles.
▪ Regular family dinners, as studies have shown they can prevent serious problems like substance abuse.
▪ Engaging in family activities and games that promote communication.
▪ Teaching relaxation techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing or yoga.
▪ Implementing reflective listening techniques from the book “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk.”
▪ Establishing clear rules and responsibilities, providing structure and age-appropriate expectations.
▪ Encouraging physical activities, hobbies and self-care practices.
▪ Seeking professional support when necessary from mental health professionals or school counselors.
While schools cannot solely bear the responsibility of providing mental health services, they can play a role in helping parents. The Miami Dade County Public Schools Parent Academy has been serving parents for about 20 years. Its mission is to encourage parents and caregivers to sustain their children’s growth and well-being. During the pandemic, we established and funded a Mental Health Services Department for our students.
Even though they are community resources, engaging clients can be challenging, as parents often juggle busy schedules and may face their own mental health issues. Therefore, it is essential to offer incentives such as flexible scheduling options, evening or weekend sessions, online accessibility and on-site childcare services during sessions.
Encouraging parents to prioritize their children’s mental health requires a collaborative effort. By fostering community-wide understanding, providing resources and incentivizing parent involvement, we can create a culture where every parent recognizes the importance of nurturing their children’s social and emotional well-being.
Marta Perez served on the Miami-Dade County School Board from 1998-2022.
