Teenage is that phase that encompasses thrilling highs and sudden drops that can leave your child dizzy and overwhelmed. As parents, this can be exhilarating. Moreover, school pressure, social media, and other factors leave the tweens stressed.
In fact, a report released by the American Psychological Association states that nearly 20 percent of tweens reported experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety. So, if you suspect your teen is dealing with stress, maybe it is time for a mental health break.
What you can expect and how you can support your tween
Read this article to find out what you can expect and how you can support your tween in this journey of coming back stronger.
Understand The Signs
Before directly running into what you could expect, it’s essential to identify and understand the signs when your tween actually needs a break.
You can observe and keep track of their mood swings in the past few days, while also noticing if they’ve lost interest in activities they loved earlier.
Other noticeable signs, such as persistent physical issues like headaches and stomach pain, are a strong indication that something’s wrong with your child and he probably needs a break. Overall, it’s important to have a clue what’s actually going on around your kid.
Start A Conversation
Conversation has always been an essential part of parenting to ensure your kid’s overall well-being. And if you at any point suspect something is not right with your child, don’t hesitate to start a conversation.
Simply begin with, ‘Are you feeling stressed?’ or ‘Do you want to talk to us?’ or ‘I am watching you a bit down today; what is going on?’
This way, the kif will feel less pressured when opening up about their situation. Make sure you don’t interrogate, but be understanding when it comes to caring as a parent.
Let Them Express Openly
Most tweens refrain from opening up about anything. The most common reason behind this is that most people don’t have the supportive and safe environment they are looking for at home.
If this is the case with you, it’s time to turn into a parent with whom they can feel safe and secure. Let them know you won’t judge their conversations. However, it’s important to let them know that it’s normal to have such downs and that it’s a part of life experiences.
You may assure them with a simple statement like, ‘I’m here for you.’ However, know that it will take patience and time to get them to open up.
Self-care is important
Most kids find it difficult to take time for themselves to relax when they struggle with school, homework, and other chores almost every day. This can be emotionally draining for your little one.
Therefore, as parents, it is important for you to let them understand that engaging in self-care can make a big difference in their lives.
Whether it’s taking out a few minutes of their day to enjoy sipping on their Horlicks milk or reading their favorite anime book, these moments are enough to get them relaxed for their entire day.
After all, it’s mental health that matters most when it comes to guiding your life through the toughest situations.
Create A Safe Space
A mental health break doesn’t mean just giving yourself time to relax; it also means providing a safe and secure environment for your kids where they are away from all judgments and confrontations.
A mental health break is more of an emotional space where they feel the comfort and value they are looking for.
And what could be better than setting up their own corner with their personalized things, including comfy blankets, favorite books, or maybe some cozy lamps to let them enjoy the much-needed solitude?
Takeaway
While dealing with your tween’s mental health break can be overwhelming for most parents, it’s time to take it as an opportunity to bond better with your kids. Let them know you love them and are there for them in their tough times. From understanding the first indications to creating a safe space for them, every little effort you make will count toward helping your child come out stronger.
