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Greg G.
Rikki Clark McCoy, CEO of Flourishing Minds, talks about how parents and adults can help children and teens with their mental health. She says it's important for parents to listen to their kids without judging them and create a supportive environment. Adults should also model healthy coping strategies and teach kids about self-care and stress management. McCoy encourages adults to teach children problem-solving skills, set realistic goals, and seek help when needed. She also emphasizes the importance of laughter and stress relief for better mental health. Seeking professional help is important if children show signs of mental health issues. McCoy believes that early treatment can prevent more severe problems in the future. Overall, it's important for adults to support and empower children and teens to prioritize their mental health and well-being.
Rikki Clark McCoy, CEO and founder of Flourishing Minds, runs a private practice providing holistic therapy and wellness coaching services. She previously discussed how social media affects adolescents academically, socially or developmentally. This time, McCoy discussed how parents and adults play an essential role in helping children and teens develop skills that are critical to their wellbeing. She provided insight about how parents and adults can empower young people to invest in their mental health development.
“Encourage children and teens to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly without fear of judgment. Create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where they feel comfortable discussing their mental health,” said McCoy.
Parents should promote trust and understanding with their children. One way of achieving this is by actively listening to them without judgment.
“This means giving their full attention, showing empathy, and validating their feelings and experiences. When children feel heard and understood by their parents, it strengthens the parent-child bond and fosters a sense of trust and openness. It also encourages children to confide in their parents, seek guidance when needed, and communicate openly about their thoughts, feelings and concerns,” McCoy stated.
Include the importance of self-care, stress management and remind children to seek help when it is needed.
McCoy added, “Provide age-appropriate information about common mental health issues and resources [that are] available for support.”
Adults can also model healthy coping strategies for managing stress and emotions, while serving as role models. They should show children and teens how to practice self-care, set boundaries, and seek support from trusted individuals when they face challenges.
Another step that adults can take is to help children and teens develop self-awareness by encouraging them to identify and understand their emotions, triggers and coping mechanisms.
“Teach them to recognize signs of stress, anxiety, or depression and empower them to take proactive steps to manage their mental health,” said McCoy.
Adults should emphasize the importance of practicing healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, getting adequate sleep and the utilization of relaxation techniques to promote healthy habits. While children and teens are educated about mental health, they can also be coached to prioritize activities that promote well-being and reduce stress.
Additionally, problem-solving skills can be taught to enable children and teens to navigate challenges and setbacks effectively.
“Teach them how to break down problems into manageable steps, brainstorm solutions, and evaluate the consequences of their actions,” McCoy further stated.
It is also beneficial for adults to teach children and teens to set realistic goals and expectations for themselves. They should understand that it is okay to make mistakes. Failure is a natural part of the learning process.
“Emphasize progress over perfection and celebrate their efforts and achievements,” McCoy advised.
Adults should also create a supportive and nurturing environment at home and in other settings where children and teens feel valued, accepted and supported. Positive relationships with family members, peers, and other trusted adults who can provide guidance and encouragement are beneficial. However, professional help should be sought when needed. Through therapy, families can strengthen their bond, resolve conflicts, and cultivate a healthier and more harmonious family dynamic.
“Be proactive in seeking professional help if you notice signs of mental health issues in children or teens, such as persistent sadness, anxiety, changes in behavior, or difficulty coping with everyday activities. Consult with mental health professionals who can provide assessment, treatment, and support tailored to their needs,” said McCoy.
“For a young person with symptoms of a mental disorder, the earlier treatment is started, the more effective it can be. Early treatment can help prevent more severe, lasting problems as a child grows up,” the National Institute of Health reminded.
Encourage children and teens to develop resilience and self-efficacy by facing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and learning from setbacks. Help them build confidence in their abilities to cope with adversity and thrive in the face of challenges.
Do not forget that laughter and stress relief play crucial roles in maintaining better mental health. Laughter is a natural mood booster. It can lift spirits and improve an overall outlook on life.
“Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and well-being. It also decreases the production of stress hormones like cortisol, helping to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety in children and teens,” McCoy reminded.
Visit www.flourishingmindsllc.com and follow @therapywithrikki to learn more about McCoy.