We are living in tumultuous times. The world is constantly changing and it seems like we experience an “unprecedented” event once a week. As adults, we feel this tension and experience anxiety because of it. What we may not notice is how all of this uncertainty affects our children. TCHD wants to remind parents and caregivers how important it is to make childhood as positive as possible for today’s children and teens. Check out the tips below for guidance:
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
Healthychildren.org has compiled a list of how to facilitate positive experiences for both children and teens:
Younger Children
Ask about your child’s school day & homework. Talk about what your child did and learned in school each day. Set aside time and a quiet place for them to do any homework they may have. Some children want to do their work all on their own. Others may need some guidance. Remember, it’s OK if you don’t know the all the answers! No one does – except the teacher.
Talk about their friendships. Children this age are growing emotionally as well. Listen when they tell you about how they are getting along with their classmates. Help them bike learn to solve their own problems when they come up.
Have fun and play with your children. It’s good for both of you! Plus it helps with all aspects of their lives, including their schoolwork. As a child in the adult world, they often have very little control. So when possible, let your child choose what you do together. At this age, their abilities (like riding a or hiking in nature) give you all kinds of new ways to enjoy each other’s company. Following their lead and having fun doing it shows that you love and trust them.
Have them help out at home. At first, many parents find that the child’s “help” may take longer than doing it themselves! Even so, chores help children develop the sense that they matter to others. These experiences teach them lessons that will last when they become older and more responsible.
Help your child set goals. Children at this age build confidence when they finish a project, learn a new skill, do well in school, or help grandma every weekend. The sense of mastery that comes from reaching a goal that they set will serve them well for a lifetime.
Teens
Have meals together. Mealtime is when we check in with each other. This can be hard to do with busy schedules, but it is important. The routine offers a way for parents and kids to share what is on their minds. It brings families closer. It creates trust and understanding to help guide children through the challenges of the teen years. A close relationship with your teen helps you set limits and keep them safe as they explore and grow more independent.
Talk with your teen. As teens develop their own sense of independence, it gets harder to find time to talk. Chat in the car together, when doing dishes together, or any time you have a chance. Remember that no matter how big their problems seem, what most teens want is love and support. When a parent tries to solve the problem, rather than simply listening, their teen can feel disrespected and push the parent away.
Help them connect with their families and communities. During these years, help your teen learn that their words and actions matter. Some teens learn this by playing in team sports or being involved in creating music. Others may find connection through spiritual communities or from having more responsibilities at home. Connecting with families and communities also helps keep teens safe from riskier activity.
Find time to have fun together! What do you both enjoy? Shooting hoops? Going shopping? Visiting new places in your area? Volunteering in your community? Take time to have fun and enjoy each other’s company. No one wants the attention of people they love to only be focused on what not to do. This is true for teenagers, too. Parents have a role in keeping teens safe and engaged. But relaxing together helps them feel loved and valued.
Support and Resources
It’s important to remember that we are not alone in raising our children. It takes a village to creative a supportive, positive, and loving environment. Don’t forget to ask for help from friends, family and experts! Once important resource for parents is their children’s pediatrician.
If you sense that things aren’t going well for your child, speak with your pediatrician. Your child’s doctor can help figure out if they have any special learning needs or other needs.
If you are worried about your teenager’s health, development, or behavior, call your pediatrician. Keep in mind that teenagers are developing their own sense of privacy. The pediatrician will usually want some time with your teen without you in the room. This way, they can talk about private matters.
