Every family faces challenges from time to time. And over the past year, many families have been exposed to additional types of stress and trauma. As a parent, you may be wondering what you can do to help your family’s mental health. Here are a few things that may help.
Monitor tech time
It’s easy to let tech time and digital devices consume too much time. While there are plenty of good things that tech can be used for, it can also have a negative impact on mental health.
There are studies revealing the potential mental health damage of social media use in both children and adults. Make sure you know what your kids are doing online. Set restrictions and limitations to help them avoid the negative impact that tech time can have on their mental health.
And don’t forget to do the same thing for yourself too. Schedule the occasional day for your entire family to take a break from phones, computers, video games and do a digital detox.
Have a dance party
Music and movement have a lot of benefits for both physical and mental health. Create a family playlist and have impromptu dance parties from time to time. This gets everyone up and moving which can boost the positive chemicals in your brain like serotonin. There’s also a good chance that when your entire family is dancing together, you’ll end up laughing together too. Laughter can also help with mental health and wellness.
Play together
Life might not look like it did pre-pandemic, but it’s still gotten a lot busier for most families than it was at this time last year. Be intentional about carving out time to stay home and play together.
If your children are still young, this may be playing Barbies or building with Legos. If your children are a little older, this could be playing board games together or a pickup basketball game in the driveway. Bonus points if you’re able to get outside for fresh air and a little sunshine.
Talk together
Regardless of how old your children are, it’s important to be having conversations about the events that are happening in your life and around you. Your children need the home to be a safe place where they can share how they’re feeling and be vulnerable when needed.
Help your little ones know how to talk about their emotions. You can do this by teaching them to recognize and name their feelings.
There is a stereotype that says preteens and teenagers don’t want to talk to their parents but that’s not necessarily true. Provide them with opportunities to talk to you and share in the way they are comfortable with. Make sure you listen to them without judgment so they will continue to come to you.
Get help if needed
There are a lot of different types of mental health challenges that families are facing right now. If you or other members of your household are struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out for professional help from a therapist. There are even therapists that specialize in working with children, teens, and families.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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