“As your parent I am required to put food in your stomach, clothes on your back, and a roof over your head. Those are the basics you need to survive.” When my friend and I were discussing the similarities and differences of our childhood, she recalled being constantly reminded by her mom of these three necessities that she was REQUIRED to provide.
This conversation made me wonder if food, clothes, and shelter were REALLY enough in the past and how many young parents think that it’s enough in the present. Back then maybe it was enough, but today it simply CAN’T be enough. Our children are exposed to EVERYTHING. Social media gives them access to everything happening in the world. They now have to combat real life bullies and cyber bullies. Every step that they take has to be thought out like a chess game. One wrong move can end up viral for the world to see. Social media alone can diminish our children’s mental health.
“According to the article, “Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health: Statistics, Tips & Resources”, 20% of people who have at least one social media account feel they have to check them at least once every three hours to avoid feeling anxious. This phenomenon goes beyond “fear of missing out,” or FOMO. In fact, it now has its own name: social media anxiety disorder, as reported by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).”
BARE NECESSITIES
Mental health has become one of the basic necessities—food, clothes, and shelter aren’t enough anymore. We have to check on our children constantly. Ask them how they’re doing and how they’re feeling. Explore their feelings with them. Let them know you’re interested in them. Get to know the inner them. Seeking a deeper connection with your child? Start by normalizing conversations around feelings and mental health. Feelings can be facts. VALIDATE theirs. Then you’ll be able to say, “As your parent I am required to put food in your stomach, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and do a daily check of your mental health.” These are the FOUR basics children need to survive, but…
…What do they need to thrive?
1. Essentials. Provide food, clothes, shelter, and mental health checks.
2. Reliability. Show up consistently.
3. Honesty. Reciprocate truth while developing trust.
4. Understanding. Practice patience and listen up.
5. Instruction. Education at school and life lessons at home.
6. Boundaries. Establish rules and restrictions.
7. Positivity. Express affirmations and instill confidence.
So. Can we agree that children need more than food, clothes, and shelter in order to survive? And way much more in order thrive? If they’re always thriving, they’re always growing.
Is your child thriving? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this with someone you know that needs to read it!
One Parent. One Child. 2 Hearts Linked for Eternity.
The Link 2 Join Hearts stimulates fun, healthy, and open dialogue between parents and their children. This helps them easily navigate through common challenging conversations.
It not only brings parents closer to their children but also strengthens their eternal bond.
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