This is the season for giving. Give the gift to the youth in your life that will empower them throughout their life. Teach them that when things get tough, they have the capacity to navigate the circumstances if they apply patience and problem-solving. Train them to know that life is going to require them to be flexible and uncomfortable, but that is all part of life. Emphasize that they have the internal strengths to manage what is going on and that you are proud of the courage they show when things do not go their way.
Teach them not to be overwhelmed when life gets stressful, but to see stress as a chance to learn and become stronger. Help them think through difficulties as something they can manage rather than something to fear. Help them focus on their strengths and things they have control over. Show them how to problem solve rather than worry, so they can learn and grow through difficulties and be better people on the other side.
Teach your child how to help others. Research shows that helping another person who really needs your help is a powerful way to boost your mental well-being. Make a list of the people your youth can do something for over the rest of the school holiday break and then help at least one person each day. Have a conversation with your child about how helping someone makes them feel and how helping made a difference for the person they’ve helped.
Help your child focus on their strengths, capabilities, and things they have control over. Teach problem solving and solution-focused thinking. The young ones you care about will be more resilient and better able to handle the challenges and difficulties we sometimes face in life. Plan for each day about when they will do their schoolwork, when they will do chores, and when they will do hobbies or extracurricular activities, and when they will have downtown. Make sure your child has a regular and relaxing bedtime routine. Planning gives everyone a sense of control and that leads to lower anxiety.
-Jerry Strausbaugh, EdD, LPCCS, Executive Director
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/jennifer-moss-happiness-column-smiling-1.5678111
https://newbeginningsfamilylaw.com/compliments-can-change-your-day/
https://www.leidenpsychologyblog.nl/articles/world-compliment-day-the-science-behind-praise
https://kwiklearning.com/kwik-tips/why-compliments-are-amazing-for-your-brain-and-the-world/
https://medium.com/@muthiahuda/what-happens-to-your-brain-when-someone-appreciates-you-6af4632abdbb
https://hbr.org/2021/02/a-simple-compliment-can-make-a-big-difference
