Parenting with Your Child's Mental Health in Mind

As parents, it's normal to worry about your child's mental health—especially with everything going on in the world today. Many parents question their parenting choices or fear that their own worries might affect their child. If you feel this way, you’re not alone—and your concern shows how much you care about your child’s well-being. 

The world has changed a lot, and it’s understandable that parents are feeling overwhelmed. The pandemic brought many challenges, affecting kids differently depending on their age. Added to this are other concerns like school safety drills, bullying, extreme weather events, and financial struggles that put stress on kids and their parents. We are seeing higher levels of anxiety, depression, and other challenges like ADHD in kids than ever before. Alarmingly, suicide is now one of the leading causes of death among kids and teens, making it more important than ever for parents to keep an eye on their kids' mental health. In the past, schools often helped identify when kids were struggling, but now many schools are understaffed and can’t always provide the mental health support children need. As parents, it’s up to us to recognize when our child might need extra support. 

Navigating Post-Pandemic Parenting

The pandemic brought big changes to our lives, and kids have felt these changes deeply. With shifts in their normal routines at school and at home, and lost social connections, during the pandemic, many children are now struggling with anxiety, social challenges, and adjusting to a new normal. It’s important for parents to provide emotional support as kids continue to adapt. Here are some of the most common challenges kids face today:

Common Challenges for Kids

• Anxiety and Stress: Many kids feel more anxious because of the uncertainty during and after the pandemic. They may worry about things like new virus variants, changing rules, or feel uneasy in social settings.

• Behavior Changes: Some children show their stress through behavior changes, like more tantrums, moodiness, withdrawing from others, or losing interest in activities they used to love.

• Struggling with Transitions and Routines: Getting back into regular routines, such as spending all day at school or adjusting to new activities with alot of social interactions, can be tough for kids after spending early years at home and/or moving to online learning.

• Developmental Delays: Some kids may have missed important developmental milestones, which can affect their communication, motor skills, or ability to interact with others.

These challenges can be tough to navigate, but with the right approach, you can help your child feel more secure and confident.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues in Kids and Teens

Understanding how to recognize signs of mental health issues is the first step to supporting your child. Look for changes in mood, behavior, or sleep patterns—things like frequent worries, feeling down for long periods, mood swings, intense emotional outbursts, or withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy. It’s tempting to think that our child will grow out of it, or they are just being moody, or “I used to be like that” and unintentionally minimize or overlook warning signs, but we need to take kids seriously and act before things get worse. Early intervention can make a huge difference, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you notice something that doesn’t seem right. It’s better to get help early than to wait and worry.

Consider Exposure to Trauma

We often think of trauma as one major event, like a car accident, medical emergency, or death of a loved one, but trauma can also affect kids in big and small ways. From significant events like the pandemic, divorce or bullying to hospitalizations, moving schools or feeling isolated. Both "big T" traumas (major events) and "little t" traumas can have a real impact on their mental health. Your support can help your child heal and recover over time.

Talking to Kids and Teens About Mental Health

Talking about mental health and bouncing back from disappointments can feel tough, but it’s one of the best ways to support your child. Try to be open and understanding when they share their feelings. Here are some tips:

• Make Home a Safe Place: Create an environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of being judged. 

• Use Language They Understand: Explain feelings in a way that makes sense for their age. For little kids, you might ask, “What color is your mood today?” For teens, you could say, “I’ve noticed you seem a bit down. Want to share what’s on your mind?”

• Let Them Know Their Feelings Are Okay: Show them that all of their emotions are normal and there are no good or bad emotions. Let them know hat you’re there for them. You can say, “It’s okay to feel worried sometimes. I’m here for you.”

• Read Books About Mental Health With Your Children: Start reading about mental health with your kids at a young age. There are many great children's books that discuss feelings, emotions, and coping strategies. You can find a great list of therapeutic books for kids at Parenting Playfully.

Feeling understood and supported can improve their mental health, strengthen your bond, and make it easier for them to ask for help when needed.

Building Resilience: Helping Your Child Handle Life’s Ups and Downs

Life doesn’t always go as we hoped for our kids, and even though we want to protect them, we know that disappointments are inevitable. This is why it’s also important to help your child develop resilience, or the ability to “bounce back” from setbacks. By creating a safe and supportive environment where they feel heard, and helping them develop healthy coping skills, like problem-solving, mindfulness, or a growth mindset, you make a big difference in how they cope when things are hard. Understanding, patience, and positive parenting can create a nurturing environment that helps your child thrive emotionally and mentally, allowing them to cope with life's challenges more effectively.

When You’re Worried - Find Help Now! 

If you notice persistent challenges in your child’s behavior, development, or academic functioning, or if their anxiety, depression, or stress levels seem high, KIDStherapyfinder.com can help  you find providers who specialize in children's mental health and other developmental needs. Whether it’s a play therapist, counselor, psychologist, or occupational therapist, speech therapist, or physical therapist, finding the right professional support can make a big difference...for them and you.

Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength and care for your child’s well-being. With the right support, kids can overcome these challenges and continue to grow in a positive direction.