Give your Teenager a Voice
We often pass judgment on our children saying that they are anxious and depressed due to staying indoors and excessive technology. Now, as a parent let’s first focus our attention on identifying the root cause of depression and anxiety.
One in five teens is anxious and depressed due to problems at school, low self-esteem, Mobile phone addiction, bullying, and the pressure of fitting in. Parents ‘call to action is to help give their children a voice. Remember, if we can encourage our children to speak their minds in front of their parents, they will find it easier to air out emotions in front of the world because they naturally feel protected and supported at home. Anxiety and depression are caused due to repressed feelings, the lack of being able to communicate for fear of judgment, and/or being reprimanded.
Home is the safest environment for children where parents are expected to provide unconditional love and an unfettered forum for free expression. Encourage your children to voice their opinion, without judging them or stifling their communication. Encourage them to have healthy debates at home which will enable them to understand multiple opinions and be better braced for the world.
Create that trust so the child feels protected enough to make a mistake and be able to share the experience without the fear of being punished. Sure, as parents we have to draw a line, and set boundaries for safety and repeated offenses but do not choke their process of communication or instill fear in their minds.
Certified Life Coach in Virginia. We can reduce the generational gap by understanding the viewpoints of our children and creating a platform for mutual learning and teaching. If we shut down a conversation even before it starts by imposing our solutions, they don’t feel heard. Most of the time, all they are looking for is an environment to be heard and they will find their own path & solutions. Let’s together allow our children to ‘talk’ within the confines of their homes so they can find their own voices in the world.
