www.linkedin.com/posts/unicef_mentalhealth-activity-6739176490740531200-3dHK
The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for all ages.
Not only are the tips included above empowering to youth, they are empowering to parents as well.
Furthermore, it can be advice for anyone juggling a life that has switched to so many daily functions taking place from home.
Let’s add a few more examples.
• It all starts with being in tune to our children and youth. If we see our youth struggling, sit down and have a conversation with them about their life. Listen with your heart and validate their experiences.
• Rather than telling your youth what to do to address their struggles, work together to come up with solutions. This is a life skill that will last them long past the pandemic’s end.
• Keep the lines of communication open. Help them evaluate how their solutions are working and give them the emotional space to make mistakes. This is a time period that everyone has had to learn to adjust. Some solutions work. Other solutions flop. And that is okay. Providing unconditional love and support allows youth to know it is alright to make a mistake. It also teaches a viewpoint that encourages learning from our mistakes. These are often the best life lessons.
• Telling our youth that their routine and structure is important is far less effective than living a life that models the same. Youth pay attention to everything and the old adage, “Do as I say not as I do.”, does not fly with them. Our words need to match our actions.
• Communicate your own struggles and how you are working through them. This allows our youth to see that they are not alone.
• Celebrate their successes. We all need positive reinforcement and it goes farther than ever these days.
• Tell your youth (and children) that you love them and are proud of them. Self-doubt is rampant among everyone these days. Don’t assume they know it. Even if you are not in the practice of saying it, now is your opportunity to grow as a parent. Your discomfort in speaking it is an investment in your youth’s sense of self-worth.
• Practice gratitude with them. Begin a habit of sharing something you each are thankful for each day. Don’t repeat the same one. This improves thinking skills and helps challenge negativity. The more it is practiced, the more things we can identify. This promotes wellbeing and improves overall quality of life.
May we love our youth and lead them by our example today. ❤️
Blessings dear ones 🍁
Christine