Mental Health is such an important topic and discussion for me. It is something that I hope is really taking a BIG STEP forward in society now-a-days. I think post-pandemic, it is something we can’t UNSEE anymore.
Mental health matters, and it matters so much for our kids too. We just can’t ignore it! I want to scream that from the rooftops! WE CAN NOT IGNORE MENTAL HEALTH IN KIDS!
I have 2 kids, ages 12 and 8 and they both have struggled with anxiety. Both of my children talk regularly to a therapist, and in my house we push constant communication and try to stay ahead of all of it.
Are we doing it right?
Absolutely NOT!
My hope is that in our efforts, we are trying to keep them centered around their feelings, and to know when their feelings feel unsure, they have safe places to go and we can lead with honest conversation.
My 12-year-old has ADHD along with anxiety, so I have read, learned, and educated myself on so much throughout this journey. I follow all the GREAT Instagram accounts, have a shelf full of books, and am constantly looking for great podcasts around this topic. I am NOT AN EXPERT by any means and most days as hard as I try I fail somewhere.
But the truth is, all of it counts and all of it is great content. Our kids are evolving, just like we are. What works one week, might not be the best plan the next. As frustrating as that may seem (and boy do I feel that some days), its crucial as parents that we are aware of that in our own self and with our children. This is a reminder that I have to give myself daily. They have good days and bad days and that all affects so much of it. When they don’t want to talk, don’t push it but make a mental note to yourself to revisit it later because it might be important.
I think as a country, as a school system, as parents, and as friends and family we have a long way to go but it sure warms my heart to see the tiny advances our society is making on this as a whole.
From one woman to another KEEP GOING both for yourself, for your family and for your kids. It matters and it’s worth it!
This part was a really great reminder for me. “. When they don’t want to talk, don’t push it but make a mental note to yourself to revisit it later because it might be important.”
Thank you for writing. I’m enjoying reading your posts.