All children have tough days. They get into fights with siblings, have problems at school and need some extra hugs for bad dreams or fears. That’s normal. But a small percentage of children are dealing with a much bigger health concern: childhood depression.
When it comes to children’s behavior, a parent’s first question is usually, “What should I do?” We tend to want to fix it or get it under control. But it’s important to understand that the behaviors we see in our children are merely the tip of the iceberg; the bulk of behavior issues stem from below the surface. What we see on the surface is a natural extension of the development that’s occurring underneath. Rather than fight against it, parents will find more success in working with a child’s development to teach behavior.
Do you need to scale back for balance? Most parents have times where they feel like they have to be in multiple places at one time to manage their children’s calendars. But what happens when the imagined need becomes real?
When it comes to discussing difficult topics with your kids, your natural inclination may be to try to avoid the task altogether. But remember, your children will pay for your hesitancy or embarrassment with a lack of awareness that they will need to make good decisions. You don’t want your child making emotion-fuelled, spur-of-the-moment choices about alcohol, sex or peer pressure to try and prove something to their friends. You want them to be in the know, be prepared and know in advance where they stand on crucial decisions before they get caught in a slippery situation.
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