"Whether it's peer relationships, puberty, or family strife, today's children often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and worry. As a psychologist who works with parents, many moms, dads, and caregivers regularly ask me, "How can I help my kids feel better?" While we can't control what happens in the world, parents can equip their kids with education in emotions, a much-needed life skill. Being able to temper sharp emotions can prevent symptoms of depression, research shows."
"I was honored to interview child and adolescent psychotherapist, David Thomas, author of the children's book, A Lesson in Resilience. Owen Learns He Has What It Takes. Owenis an actual therapy dog at Daystar Counseling Center in Nashville, Tennessee, where David works. The book teaches kids emotional know-how by sharing Owen's story. David and I had a great conversation, talking about the stressors and big feelings kids face, and how education in emotions, as well as loving support, helps children and their parents thrive."
Children increasingly face stress, anxiety, and worry from peer relationships, puberty, and family conflict. Parents can help by teaching emotional literacy and skills for tempering sharp emotions. Learning to manage strong feelings can reduce depression symptoms and increase resilience. A children's book featuring a therapy dog named Owen models emotional know-how through a feelings chart and journaling activities. Simple tools like charts and journals can be taught by parents to help children identify and regulate emotions. Parents also benefit from having their own emotional tools while supporting children's development.
Read at Psychology Today
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