Helping Your Child/Teen Feel Hopeful
Nobody can deny that getting through these shorter, colder days is requiring more emotional and sometimes physical energy. Our collective souls have endured countless hours of adaptation; highs, lows, fears, sorrows, heartbreaks and joys. This unprecedented time of COVID has been relentless, and we have more to look forward to before we can run down the other side of the mountain.
Hope is an essential part of human life that gets us out of funks, out of bed in the morning, and puts smiles on our faces. Without hope, we stagnate, become depressed, anxious and withdrawn. I would venture to say that almost every person I know is or has experienced some form of sadness, anger, anxiety, depression and frustration.
Providing our kids with hope and helping them understand and experience it regularly is one of the most important things that parents, grandparents and teachers can provide right now. As parents and teachers, we need to dig deep. Some days it will feel next to impossible. We need to model taking joy in small things, and demonstrate growth and hope for a better tomorrow. ( there are many parent resources online) You can access the social worker in your child’s school for support and ideas.
This time of year has its own inherent struggles for many families.This year is proving to be even more challenging. Here are a few simple things that families can do together that will lift spirits and continue to move us forward and feel hopeful.
Exercise regularly- take a family walk and learn to snowshoe in local parks and ravines- stop and listen to nature- some kids love to sketch or start a photojournal.
Set a time each day when every family member turns off all devices for a couple of hours and do some activities together- family game night, baking or cooking a family favourite, building, creating, and so on. Get away from the newsfeed!
Create small, homemade gifts, sing songs, write poetry and stories for loved ones, neighbours, teachers, friends and relatives. Drop them off and watch the smiles!
Give back. Make a list with your family of a few causes that you feel are important. How can you make a difference to others? One2give charity invites people to bake and drop off goodies for the homeless. ( Read about Project Give Back for true inspiration-projectgiveback.com)
Have open, calm chats about how all members of your family are feeling. Ask- “Are you OK?” Sometimes it’s easier for kids to write or draw their worries and fears. Tackle them by breaking them down into small, manageable chunks.
If you are very concerned about your child’s mental health, please consult your doctor, teacher, principal or CAMH for advice and support. They can refer you to local mental health practitioners- most of whom are working virtually. Don’t wait. Depression and anxiety looks different in children and youth.
Keep well, try to be as positive as possible and reach out for help. There is no shame in helping your child feel happier. CAMH- Toronto- 416-535-8501; Kids Help Phone- confidential-1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868