Written by Erica Weiler-Timmins, MD
Many people experience a mixture of happiness and celebration throughout the holidays, as well as a chance to relax and prepare for the upcoming new year. However, for some, particularly children, this time of year can intensify emotions of anguish and melancholy as they deal with the loss of loved ones, unstable families, or food hardship. No amount of holiday happiness can solve the complexity of mental health disorders, which affect about one in five children between the ages of three and seventeen, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
In order to aid struggling kids, we must raise awareness of the obstacles they encounter and assist them in building the resilience they need to go through trying times. Success in school and in social situations depends heavily on resilience. Children with resilience are better equipped to handle stress, do well in school, and have healthier relationships, according to the American Psychological Association. There has never been a greater pressing need to address youth resilience given the rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide thoughts among young people reported by the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
This holiday season presents a special chance for communities and families to help kids understand and control their emotions. Here are five strategies for adults to help kids develop emotional resilience:
1) Identify and label feelings.Youngsters frequently feel complicated emotions, but they might not have the words to describe them. Children can digest their experiences more efficiently if they are encouraged to talk freely about their feelings, whether they are joy, sadness, or anxiety.
2) Create constructive coping mechanisms.According to a research in the Journal of School Psychology, mindfulness exercises helped kids feel less anxious by over 40%. Exercise and journaling are two examples of activities that have been demonstrated to dramatically lower anxiety and enhance mental health. Encourage kids to go outside and make new friends instead than wasting time on screens.
3) Establish a routine to provide structure.For younger children, the holidays can cause confusion and uncertainty by upsetting routines. Establishing daily routines, including mealtimes together, bedtime customs, or frequent check-ins, might help families become more resilient. Because routines offer a reassuring feeling of stability and predictability, children who flourish in structured surroundings are more likely to become resilient.
4) Display behavior that is resilient.Youngsters pick up knowledge by seeing the grownups in their lives. Recognizing difficulties and exhibiting constructive coping mechanisms are crucial ways for parents and other caregivers to set an example of resilience. Youngsters who observe their parents and guardians efficiently handling stress and adversity are more likely to follow suit. Because of this transparency, kids may express their emotions and ask for assistance when they need it in a safe setting.
5) Improve ties throughout the community.Children who have good support networks are more likely to overcome hardship, per a survey by the Child Mind Institute. It is impossible to develop resilience in a vacuum. It is crucial to have solid bonds with friends, family, and neighbors. Children’s capacity to manage stress can be greatly improved by encouraging them to stay in touch with their support system through face-to-face interactions or even virtual calls.
Let’s keep in mind that we can all help our kids develop emotional resilience as we welcome the Christmas season. We can build a supportive environment where young people thrive even during life’s most trying times by recognizing feelings, establishing healthy habits, and cultivating strong ties. By working together, we can create a setting that values mental health and gives our children the tools they need to succeed. Make a difference in a child’s life by being that person.
At Milton Hershey School, Dr. Erica Weiler-Timmins serves as the senior director of student health services.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!