Real Simple Mental Well-Being by Real Simple

Author:Real Simple [The Editors of Real Simple]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: TI Inc. Books
Published: 2020-11-12T20:30:00+00:00

The Issue: Fear of Death

HELP THEM PREPARE: Around age 7 or earlier, many children ask their parents, “What happens after we die?” According to grief therapist Claire Bidwell Smith, the author of Anxiety: the Missing Stage of Grief, “When kids ask this question, it’s important to welcome their curiosity and answer honestly.” Smith recommends asking, “What do you think happens?” If your child asks whether people or animals go to heaven, answer honestly based on your family’s beliefs. If your family doesn’t believe in the afterlife, it’s OK to be upfront. “Talking about life spans of other species can help,” says Smith, so the death of a pet isn’t completely unexpected. When death isn’t a taboo topic, it can seem less scary.

HELP THEM COPE: “Kids’ worries about death may grow once they realize that their parents can’t protect them from everything,” says Abigail Marks, PhD, a clinical psychologist in San Francisco who specializes in grief. Concerns about dying can also become magnified after losing a beloved pet or a family member. Talk openly about their fears. “See if you can find out more about their specific concerns and show that you take their feelings seriously,” advises Marks. No one has the answers to all of life’s existential questions, but Marks says that when kids feel reassured and understood, anxiety can begin to shrink.

The Issue: Tragedies and Disasters

HELP THEM PREPARE: Whether it’s the possibility of a school shooting or a natural disaster like a hurricane, worries about tragedies can rattle a kid’s sense of safety. “Parents can keep these worries at bay by being mindful about how their children are exposed to the news and to information shared online,” says Kaiser. Parents also often have (legitimate) worries about this one, so lean into your support system to talk about your fears, see a therapist, or find a parents’ group to join. “Parents’ emotional reactions inform kids’ thoughts, feelings, and behavior. If parents are anxious, kids worry more too,” says Kaiser.

HELP THEM COPE: The toughest time is the immediate aftermath of a tragedy. “Facts are your friends,” says Sheryl Ziegler, PsyD, a child psychologist in Denver and the author of Mommy Burnout. “Offer grounding statements like ‘Tragedies do happen, but it’s unlikely there will be one at your school,’ ” recommends Ziegler. If your child still seems worried, review your school’s safety plan. As you discuss the details, point out teachers and staffers who monitor kids’ safety every day. Look at the weather forecast together and calmly review safety and evacuation procedures.

TWEENS AND TEENS

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.