Page 20 - IFV_Issue 8_2022

Today’s Child

SO, HOW CAN WE HELP? test result. And when I tried to reassure choose the activities that give them an
The most important thing we can them and comfort them, their response outlet and walk away from the ones
do for our kids is to be present enough was along the lines of, “my parents are that smother them.
to recognise the signs, communicate going to kill me!”
with them, and make them feel safe I’ve had children experience full- IT’S ALL ABOUT BALANCE
to communicate with us. Awareness blown panic attacks, and when we sit We constantly push concepts like
of your children’s mental health is just and chat, I discover that they struggle to ‘Don’t give up’, and ‘Stay committed’.
as essential as physical health. When keep up with school work because their While these serve a purpose and lead to
left unchecked, issues like anxiety afternoons are full of karate classes, a good attitude in many cases, it’s also
and depression can lead to countless horse riding, gymnastics, swimming about balance, self-care and knowing
problems down the road, including practice – and the list goes on. And their limits. You should keep your
substance abuse, self-harm and eating while these things are great outlets expectations realistic too. Not every
disorders. when done in moderation, many kids child is an academic – sometimes, not
As I mentioned in my previous article, are doing more than one of these a day, even the brightest. They should be
I am not a doctor or a psychologist. getting home at supper time and then supported and encouraged to do their
I am just a teacher and a mom who still trying to keep up with school work. best rather than chase unattainable
dealt with these issues on the ground What they need are opportunities to results. With less pressure and anxiety,
and speak from my own observations engage in hobbies that revitalise them you may find they do better anyway
and experience. The extremely high and have no expectations, to spend and come into their own once they are
expectations and pressure on kids quality time with their families and to through the system.
became obvious. Parents are well- be able to achieve the elusive work/life Parenting is not for sissies. It’s a fine
meaning. They want their kids to do balance that we as adults try so hard to line between firm encouragement
well at school to set them up for a bright achieve. and gentle support, wanting them to
future in a competitive world. They But, we also want our children to conquer the world and helping them
want them to participate in team sports grow up to be resilient so they can get through a day. We doubt ourselves
or other sports and cultural activities handle life’s hard knocks. Trying to constantly, regardless of which stance
to build character, create social bonds avoid or eliminate the source of their we take but, ultimately, we all want what
and be ‘off their screens’. But all the anxiety can disempower them. The key is best for our kids, and it is the source
pressure can be overwhelming and is to help them manage their anxiety of all of our efforts. We need to cut our
counterproductive. Sometimes they and to recognise it. When they feel children some slack, so they can one day
just need to be kids. safe enough to discuss their feelings, go out and conquer the world thanks
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve they will also be open to letting you to good self-esteem, valuing their own
had a child in tears in my classroom know when the pressure is just too needs and developing compassion and
because they are so disappointed in a overwhelming, and you can help them empathy by following our example.

18 • Issue 8 2022 • The Villager