Raising Healthy, Happy Kids

Teens are being pushed more than ever these days. As a parent, you may feel you don’t understand your teenager. You can’ figure out why they are depressed. You have tried to give them everything you didn’t have at their age.

So, the question is why are they depressed? Is it chemical? If so, what does that mean? Is it the environment? Are they under a lot of stress? Depression can be complex. There can be many different reasons for it. This means that there is more than one treatment for it. You are not a Psychiatrist. If your teenager is depressed, then you need to get help from a professional. But, you are the parent and you can help.

Here are 4 things you can do to help your depressed teenager feel better:

1. Make sure to ask your teenager how they are feeling. This is one of those simple things that’s easy to get away from. If they say, they are fine, ask them more questions. Try to be specific. Ask about their friends and classes. You can take them out for an ice cream and talk about their day. They may seem resistant, that could be the depression.
2. Be supportive and understanding. To put it simply, you need to be there for them. This is a great time to listen to them, without judgment. Sure,…

Read more: How Parents Can Help A Depressed Teenager

You want to raise your child to care about others. But, you feel there are many obstacles in the way. Look at what is happening in the world today. You just aren’t sure what to do.

If you feel this way, you feel the same way many parents do these days. The good news is there is hope. With a little hard work, you can raise your child to care about others.

Here are 6 tips to teach your kids to have empathy:

1. Celebrate your children’s differences. If you have more than one child, then I am sure you are aware that they have differences. They also aren’t exactly like you. Maybe, your oldest child is more outgoing. He never meets a stranger. He talks to everyone at the grocery store, and he knows all the neighbors by their first name. Your younger one is happy staying in. She has a few close friends, she enjoys spending time with. Instead of comparing them, let them know the positives about their personality. They could actually help balance one another, and be great friends as they get older. By doing this, you are letting your child know it’s alright to be who they are. This will help them when they are around people, that aren’t like them. They will be more accepting of others.
2. Practice what you preach. Meaning…

Read more: How To Teach Your Kids To Have Empathy

We all know that when you have a child, everything changes. I know you have always wanted a child, but you probably didn’t know what you were in for. Yes, you are in this for life. There is no turning back.

The good news is you have a wonderful child, they will love you for life. You will go through ups and downs. But, you will get through it. It may not turn out how you expected, but that is alright. When you have a child you have a dream. The best thing, is to be flexible. Let things happen. Things really do have a way of turning out just right.

Here are the 5 best parenting styles for raising healthy, happy kids:

1. You don’t have to fix everything. This is an easy mistake to make. You want your child to have a great childhood. But, it’s unrealistic. When you try to fix everything, your child doesn’t learn to solve their own problems. They learn to rely on you for everything. This will hurt your child in the long run. If they are having a problem with a friend at school. Suggest they try and work it out. Let your child know you will need some time on the phone, and they will have to play on their own.
2. When your child expresses emotion, use…

Read more: Which Parenting Style Is Best For Raising Healthy, Happy Kids?

You want your child to be happy. Now, we know the definition of happiness varies. It’s easy to define happiness by how much money or material things you have. I always say, you can’t define happiness by your bank account. But, society tells us something different.

You need a new car or those new jeans. I have found that what children want most is your time. Maybe it’s cliche, but you really can’t buy love. After working with children in my practice for 14 years. I have found that the root of anxiety in a child, often comes from their relationship with their parents. There is actually a lot of research out there to back that up.

Here are 6 tips for raising a happy child:

1. Add positive affirmations to your daily routine. Remember, your child is trying to find his/her place in this world. You know this is not easy. Many adults are still trying to find their place, as well. Affirm the positive choices your child makes. This is how they learn to navigate in the world they live in. You can do this with words or body language. A simple smile will let them know that you approve of their choices. Be open to your child’s ideas and let them try new things. Children love to think out loud. Make sure to…

Read more: 6 Tips For Raising A Happy Child