How To Help Your Child

It is not a secret that children struggle. It is hard being young and there are never ending things that kids can worry about these days. Whether it be with academics, extracurricular, socially or all of them. What we must remember as adults is that what is going on in their kid world is important to them. Just like what is going on in our adult world is important to us. It is relative to our experiences. I think a lot of issues were revealed by and worsened by Covid. Our children are struggling more than ever. The great thing is, I do see that more and more parents are realizing that their children need support. I believe that is why I am having more parents contact me regarding coaching for their pre-teen or teen. It is wonderful to see so many parents reaching out and acknowledging their need for support. I want to give a pat on the back to those parents out there who have sought out external help for their kids. I can say, things seem much harder on children right now than what I had to deal with growing up in the 80’s and 90’s. From social media influence to the actual threat of gun violence right there in school where they are supposed to be safe. Stress at school is real and, in my opinion, getting worse. Then they go home where the stress is either relieved or more stress is presented. I know many parents might be thinking. “Oh, my child comes home to a non-stressful environment. They get all their needs met like food, a warm bed, tv, video games and everything they want really.”  I have no doubt the parents reading this article are providing very well for their children. However, I want to remind you that the kiddo’s in your home have this sixth sense to know when their parents or caregivers are upset, frustrated, angry, arguing etc. Covid not only changed life as the kids knew it, but it also changed life as the adults knew it as well. Unfortunately, I don’t see it getting any better in the near future either. Here is one thing to ponder, have you ever wondered why on an airplane they say, in case of an emergency, adults secure your air mask first and then assist your child. It is because the airline does not what a plane full of unconscious adults and unsupervised children. If you are a parent or care giver struggling with stress, anxiety, unhappiness, dissatisfaction of life in general, with work, with your significant other, it is like you are losing your “air supply”. Mentally, you may be leaving your kids unsupervised, and the kids can sense it. If you are struggling, the best thing you can do for yourself and the ones around you is to put your own “air mask” on first. Get your own counseling, therapy and/or coaching.  Children will do better when the parent(s) in the home are happier and under less stress. Perhaps you have gotten professional help for your child, but could you use some support, a different perspective, a different approach for your own life? Please take a moment and analyze yourself. So, what I have discovered is, parents/caregivers, if you want to help your child, please help yourself also.