Is Your Child Happy?
News from the Children's Society's ‘Good Childhood Report’, have shown that an incredible one in ten children are suffering from a form of depression.
The happiness of children in the UK is in a decline, with 15% of young teenagers reporting low on well-being.
It also says, “well-being has dipped since 2008 after a period of improvement from 1994”. Teenagers aged 14 and 15 are said to have very low levels of self-satisfaction and self-esteem, leading to depression.
The charity says the drop should not be dismissed as normal early-teen angst. On the list of contributing factors towards childhood depression, is; Family conflict, money, possessions, bullying, appearance and worry about the future.
The tell tale signs of depression in children are: not mixing with people, staying in their room, over eating, staying in bed, crying more than usual, crying over what seems like nothing, not eating, losing weight, gaining weight, drinking, using drugs, sudden changes in friends, style, moods and anything else you, as a parent, think is a bit “off”.
How do we help our children through this?
Children, like adults want to be loved/ liked and accepted. That tends to be the heart of all their troubles. Money, possessions and appearance are usually linked to the want of acceptance and the better the child’s self esteem, the less likely it will affect them.
One of the easiest ways to raise your child’s self esteem is simply tell them how important they are to you. Let them know by hugs, notes, little presents as well as verbally.
Make time to do things with your kids. Pick something they want to do and really listen to them when they want to talk to you. Life is busy, but children will stop communicating if you keep asking them to come back at a more convenient time for you.
If experiencing family conflict, it’s very important to explain to the children, it’s not their fault.
Children are hardwired to blame themselves for everything and anything that causes upset to the people around them. They need to hear the adults say the words, “you are not the cause of this. It’s not your fault. I/we love you.”
Adults involved in conflict with another family member would help their children greatly if they keep them from choosing sides. Children love both parents and it’s very confusing for them to be put in the middle.
If children feel loved and accepted by parents, grandparents and other close family members, they are less likely to be bullied, or suffer from depression.
Let your children know you love them no matter what. Even if you are angry with, them let them understand, you still love them and they will always be loved. It sounds simple but these words are very nurturing and give the security children need.
Do some hands on charity work with your kids. It always helps if you see first hand people worse off than you.
Exercise with your children. Exercise releases endorphins and they are not nicknamed ‘happy chemicals’ for nothing!
Play loud music with your kids and dance around or chase them. Fun automatically breeds happiness.
Let your children understand you made mistakes and are not perfect. This helps them de-stress about trying to be perfect!
Just remember this one thing above all else, all children like adults, need love and acceptance.