Parenting Tips to Support Your Child’s Well-Being
In today’s ever-changing world, isolation has become a familiar experience for many children. Whether due to the global pandemic, relocation or the overexposure to a world behind screens, the feeling of being cut off from peers and normal social interactions can take a toll on a child’s emotional well-being.
As parents, it is essential to recognize the challenges children face during periods of isolation and provide them with the necessary support. If your child is struggling with isolation or its effects on their mental health, our Child Therapy services at Decade2Connect can provide professional support and guidance.Here are some ways you can support your child through isolation into a connected life with themselves, their family and their community:
Validate Their Feelings
If your child is isolating, there’s likely a valid reason why. Whether they’re scared, hurt, anxious or sad, be there to support any emotions they’re experiencing. Let your child know that their feelings are valid. Offer a listening ear and let them know you are there for them.
Connect With Others
If your child is isolating themselves because they don’t have many friends or social connections, offer to help them connect with others by signing them up for an extracurricular activity or suggesting ways they can meet new people. Also be intentional about spending quality time with them doing something they enjoy.
Plan Fun Activities
Isolation leaves lots of space for intrusive thoughts. To take their minds off their problems, plan fun activities that your child enjoys with people that care about them. This can help boost their mood and help them feel less isolated.
Seek Professional Help
If your child’s isolation persists despite your efforts to support them, or if they are experiencing other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, it may be necessary to seek professional help from a mental health professional. Decade2Connect is available to children and their families to provide support in navigating these mental health needs.
On top of the typical insecurities tied to development, children of this generation are facing deeper levels of insecurity through social media and the natural isolation that came from the pandemic. Isolation is more common now than ever and it’s important to empathize with your child’s struggles. Be patient and persistent in your efforts to support your child, and let them know that they are not alone. For more support please connect with a therapist at Decade2Connect today.
