Parenting Through Stressful Seasons

As a parent, you know that your child will experience difficult times. It’s not always easy to see them hurting or upset, and it can be challenging to figure out what is the right thing to do. This blog post discusses seven tips for supporting your child during difficult times in order to help them cope with the situation at hand.

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7 Tips to Supporting Your Child During Difficult Times

1) Be there for them

Don’t pretend it isn’t happening. You can’t fix a problem you don’t acknowledge is there. Let them talk about what’s going on if they want to, but also let them know that life will go back to normal once things get better again. Be prepared for your child to experience different emotions as everything resolves itself or doesn’t resolve at all. They may be upset one minute and then fine the next hour, which might feel confusing for both of you because you’re not used to seeing them like this! 

Simply letting your child know that you are present goes a long way.

2) Listen to them and ask questions

Don’t assume you already know what they’re going through or how they feel about it – even if their feelings seem contrary to your own opinion based on the situation, still take time to hear them out and show that you care. Sometimes a child will tell you, “I’m fine,” because adults usually don’t want to talk about things with children unless necessary. Still, in reality, they might be struggling inside more than anyone thinks.

3) Give them space

Everyone processes things differently, and your child is no exception. If they are not in the mood for conversation or simply don’t want to talk about it, there’s nothing wrong with giving them space until they’re ready to open up again. Let them know you’ll be around if needed, but also make sure you give yourself some time too!

4) Let them know it’s okay to feel upset

Sometimes we spend so much time trying to make our children happy that we fail to acknowledge their pain. Children can feel a lot of guilt and shame when they’re going through a tough time – especially if it’s something they perceive as their fault. Acknowledge that whatever they feel is okay and natural, no matter how bad it might seem to them.

5) Supporting your child during difficult times by helping them find a way to cope

Some children find it helpful to talk about their feelings; others might prefer to write them down or draw pictures. If your child is struggling to cope, try and help them find an outlet that will work for them. If they’re not sure what they want or how they feel, you can consistently offer some options, but ultimately the decision should be theirs. You can also consider visiting https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/colorado/thornton/ to find a solution. 

6) Encourage positive self-talk

Children are their own worst critics, and it can be tough to stay positive during difficult times. Help your child focus on the good things they have going for them, even if they seem small compared to what’s happening. It can be helpful to make a list or keep a journal of positive thoughts to refer back to when feeling down. 

7) Prayer

If you and your partner do not pray together, there is no better time to start than when you are trying to navigate a difficult time. Additionally, praying with your child will help both of you navigate these difficult days. Also, consider finding a support system within a church setting. This can be just what you need to get through any troubling times.

In conclusion, it’s important to remember that when your child is going through a difficult time, you can’t make it go away or fix everything for them, but there are things you can do in order to help. Be patient and understanding, don’t lecture with only the best of intentions.