EP 144 | 3 WARNING SIGNS Your Child May Struggle With Anxiety or Self-Esteem + Overcoming Negative Beliefs. PART 2 With ABBY SCHABER, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
“It’s so much easier to put the time in on the forefront rather than getting to the point of ‘how did I miss that?’ Then…you’re treading water to stay afloat.”
Abby Schaber sat with us last week for Part 1 of her interview where she shared the boundaries every parent needs to know in a world of increased depression and anxiety among teens. Once we establish those rules and limits for our children, we need a plan to recognize the warning signs for self esteem or anxiety issues among our adolescents or teens. We need solutions for what to do if we DO see these signs and more than that we need encouragement to put the quality family time in NOW so we can avoid the heartache or regret later. Sit with Abby and I today and let's build solid families built on the simplistic concepts of deep connection, time together, more family dinners, and positive communication and self talk.
Let's grow!
Jennifer
Connect with Abby via email at brightsidecounselingnky@gmail.com
on Facebook HERE
Join our PRIVATE Families That Stick Togather Moms group over on Facebook, "Strong and Faith-Filled Families For Today's Mom" where we share with one another about this episode and go on this journey of motherhood in today's world TOGETHER. Join us HERE!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE!
“The most important work you will do will be within the walls of your home.”
Time In!
We live in a time-out society. Make your home all about TIME-IN.
If we’re nurturing and giving that time in, we’re going to see as parents: better behavior, better decision-making, better outcomes, and kids who really value the time for connecting.
How do we help our adolescents and teens get rid of negative beliefs?
Perspective is everything. Teaching our children how to take a take a situation and see the good is one of the most important things we can do.
Help teach them how to challenge their negative thoughts. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but let’s look for a more realistic thought to challenge the negative mindset. REFRAME the negativity.
Speak their love language!
Share stories from your own experiences
Remind our children we are more like them than they may want to believe.
Keep a “toolbox” to pull from: Ask your child to tell you what made them happy that day. Ask them what was a solid moment they had that made them feel good. It doesn’t have to be anything major; small moments are gold, too!
3 warning signs we should look out for in our children that may signal they are struggling with anxiety or depression:
Withdrawing from activities or people
Changes in sleep patterns and energy levels
Irritability levels and mood fluctuations
What can you do as a parent?
Offer your support. Put the time in.
Build in more support with a network from family/friends
Seek professional help from a school counselor or mental health therapist, make an appointment with your pediatrician or general provider.