Everyone is busy. Everyone is tired. Everyone is sick… or recovering from sickness… or trying to avoid getting sick again. The fun and freedom of the warmer months seem a distant memory, and recently, there seems a lot less joy in the household.
As teachers do at school, parents have a crucial role to play in creating an environment at home that shapes the wellbeing of your children. Success and resilience are built through a foundation of positive emotions. But it’s never easy. Teens today face a multitude of challenges, including peer and social media pressures, academic stress and the search to belong, while figuring out who they are and trying to like themselves a little along the way.
Wellbeing expert Daniel Merza calls these the ‘Monkeys on their backs’ that weigh our kids down. But as parents, there are practical things you can do to help get these monkeys off their backs and create a home life that is rich in positive emotions.
For example, to tame the ‘isolation monkeys’ and help them stay connected to you, try the following:
- Daily Check-Ins: Set aside time each day for a casual chat with your teen. Ask about their day, their challenges, and their successes. This can be during dinner, a walk, or before bedtime.
- Active Listening: Show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings. Avoid interrupting and offer empathetic responses. Phrases like “I understand how you feel” or “That sounds challenging” can validate their emotions.
- Share Your Experiences: Relate to their experiences by sharing your own “recent” challenges and how you overcame them. This not only humanises you but also provides valuable life lessons. Avoid using the phrase “when I was your age”. It’s the quickest way to disconnect.
For more great ideas from Daniel, head to the link below.
