Parenting in the modern generation has taken on a whole new approach. Parents themselves realize the techniques their parents used to raise them don’t work anymore. It either backfires with a worse fallout or is a failure.
Another factor being taken very much into consideration in this generation is mental health.
In yesteryear, nobody spoke about mental health. It was considered taboo and if anyone showed any signs of a weak mind or being mentally distressed, they were outcast as a “lunatic.”
On this note, we need to address a very pertinent topic: mental health.
Parenting teenagers can be a challenging and transformative experience, as adolescence is a critical period for emotional and psychological development. During these years, many teens experience heightened stress, anxiety, and emotional turbulence, making it crucial for parents to be aware of mental health issues.
Mental health awareness is not only about recognizing signs of distress but also understanding how to create a supportive environment where teens feel safe discussing their feelings.
Essential steps parents can take to support their teens, including promoting open communication, reducing stigma, and encouraging healthy coping strategies are important. By understanding and addressing their teen’s mental health needs, parents play a vital role in fostering emotional resilience and well-being.
As we’re all aware the current generation faces a lot more pressure than their parents or grandparents from the older generations. Life has become that much more hectic and fast-paced and it is a reason for a lot of undue pressure. No one seems able to slow down and if anyone decides to not wilt to the pressure of society and take life slow they’re branded “lackadaisical,” “disinterested,” and “unsuccessful.”
In a world where success is measured by financial resources, material possessions and academic qualifications, all of which require extra effort to achieve, the mental load on teenagers and young adults is beyond what they can cope with.
With this background in mind, let us look at options, we, as parents, can help our teenagers and young adults navigate this journey called “life.”
REMOVE THE STIGMA; THE NEED OF THE HOUR
The need of the hour is to remove the taboo on mental health.
Parents, don’t make it out to be a topic to be discussed “behind closed doors,” because mental health issues are as normal as physical health issues. Be open with your children, discuss the topics concerning mental health and give them an environment where they learn about it as “another health condition” and not as something that is “not supposed” to be spoken about.
ENCOURAGE OPEN COMMUNICATION
Create a safe space where your teen feels comfortable discussing their feelings without fear of judgment. Ask open-ended questions and listen actively. In traditional and conservative societies such as ours, the trend has always been “ children should be seen and not heard!” I’m quite sure many of us would have been told these words by elders in our family. In a world where children have access to others their ages across the globe with the press of a button, these methodologies don’t work anymore; for these kids in frustration would turn to virtual friends, completely unknown to the parents for comfort and solace. Do you think everyone across a screen would be genuine to your child? Would be sincere to your child? That’s a definite gamble; and more likely a “NO”, so under such circumstances vulnerable children can fall prey to online predators, maniacs, paedophiles and all sorts of people you wouldn’t want your child to be communicating with, and your child becomes a toy in their hands! They pretend to be their support system, only taking these vulnerable kids down a rabbit hole of everything unwanted. And then, you, the parent, have a rebellious and moody child you’re unable to deal with. You ask yourself “why?” but isn’t it a little too late?
Communicating openly with your kids doesn’t do any harm to your self-proclaimed ego and authority. Break the shackles and break the cycle. This is on you, start talking to them today and you’ll have no regrets.
SELF-REGULATION IS KEY; YOU’RE THE ROLE MODEL
Model healthy ways to cope with stress and emotions. As I mentioned previously, a lot of the work in promoting good mental health among teens and young adults is in your hands; parents!
Your teen is likely to emulate the behaviours they see in you. If you are a person who has frequent anger issues and throws temper tantrums at your spouse, at other family members, your kids are looking at you as a role model. Show them how to navigate problems, cope with stressful emotions, repair after an argument and stay calm through the many storms of life. Break the generational cycle of toxic regulation of emotions, and know that you’re the example your children are following.
ACCEPTANCE, ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
Parents, do you know that a kind and loving word from you will travel longer and deeper into your child’s mind than expensive gifts, trips and material possessions?
On that note, please note that all children aren’t the same. You could have 3 kids, all completely different from each other in terms of educational, sporting and religious abilities. Personalities can differ, and their relationship styles can differ, but they’re all YOUR children! ACCEPT all of them, SUPPORT them in their different pursuits, ENCOURAGE them and make your children aware that you are their “biggest cheerleader” in life. Don’t push children to be like “their older sibling,” achieve what a “cousin achieved” or compare them to anyone, they’re all uniquely different and they all WANT to feel SEEN and APPRECIATED.
PROMOTE SELF-CARE BY EXAMPLE
Encourage healthy habits, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and relaxation techniques like mindfulness or meditation, to help them manage stress. These children would implement these in their lives, only if you as a parent model these healthy habits. You cannot nag kids to go be fit, sleep early, or reduce screen time if you aren’t doing any of it. Lead by example, and make life more pleasant for everyone.
LIMIT SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE
Monitor and set healthy boundaries around your teen’s use of social media, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, and isolation. I won’t go into raptures on this because I have dealt with the snares of unregulated social media usage under the topic of maintaining open and healthy communication with your children.
YOU HAVE TO BE AWARE!
Parents, in this day and age, where information is easily accessible it is your responsibility to stay informed. Educate yourself about common teen mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and stress, so that you can better understand what your teen may be experiencing. Be aware of common signs of mental health issues in teens, such as withdrawal, mood swings, changes in eating or sleeping habits, academic decline, or sudden loss of interest in activities.
If your teen’s emotional or behavioural changes persist for a long time or seem severe, consider seeking help from a counsellor, therapist, or mental health professional. Strike while the iron is hot— before the situation spirals out of control into something that you’ll have regrets about later.
In conclusion, mental health awareness is a critical responsibility for parents of teens as it allows you to provide the necessary support during a pivotal stage of development. By recognizing the signs of mental health struggles, fostering open communication, and creating a stigma-free environment, you can help your teens navigate the emotional challenges of adolescence. Promoting self-care and modelling healthy coping strategies can equip teens with the tools they need for long-term emotional well-being. Ultimately, being proactive and informed about teen mental health can make a significant difference in fostering a positive, supportive, and understanding family dynamic.