{"id":110882,"date":"2020-08-03T13:31:27","date_gmt":"2020-08-03T18:31:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thechicagoschool.edu\/insight\/?p=110882"},"modified":"2025-05-14T17:24:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T22:24:20","slug":"understanding-your-childs-needs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thechicagoschool.edu\/insight\/for-our-wellness\/understanding-your-childs-needs\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Your Child’s Needs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Being at home for an excessive amount of time can be draining and mentally taxing. More specifically, being at home with children on a more consistent basis can also increase the parent’s chance of experiencing mental exhaustion. Being at home all the time and adjusting to new routines can be just as mentally exhausting for children.<\/p>\n

\"\"Just like parents, children are now worried about what their futures will look like and are struggling with how to handle the many different emotions they may be experiencing. Dr. Wendy Schiff<\/a>, Department faculty in Clinical Psychology<\/a>, believes that both parents and children can benefit from having a healthy discussion about mental health.<\/p>\n

According to Dr. Schiff, \u201cIt is normal for both parents and children to feel anxious about the new changes that are happening, and it can be very easy for their mental health to be neglected during these challenging times.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

While taking on the dual role of being both teacher and provider, many parents are playing the role of \u201ctherapist\u201d for their household as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cParents have an important role in helping their children understand how to express the emotions they may be experiencing,\u201d Dr. Schiff explains.<\/p>\n

Although this can be overwhelming for some parents, facilitating these types of conversations it is something that can be achieved.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

What can parents do ?<\/h2>\n

For parents who may be apprehensive about leading this discussion, there are several options that can assist with this conversation. Dr. Schiff suggests, \u201cParents should share some of the feelings they themselves are having and model healthy ways to cope.\u00a0 They should ask their children about worries or disappointments and take the time to just listen without correcting or changing the subject.\u201d<\/p>\n

Parents can also use kid-friendly videos, such as the ones linked below, that help explain the importance of mental health. \u201cFind someone who your child feels comfortable talking to and make sure that relationship is well supported,\u201d Dr. Schiff says. This person could be a sibling, aunt, family friend or someone who you and your child both trust.\"\"<\/p>\n

If these options aren\u2019t suitable for the needs of the child, then seeking outside help from a reliable source such as a child psychologist may be a better option, if the parents see signs of serious distress.<\/p>\n

No matter the approach chosen, the purpose of this conversation is to be impactful, not perfect. Talking about mental health with children is a topic that should be normalized and can ease with practice. To help get the conversation started, resources and tips that can help support in facilitating this conversation have been provided below.<\/p>\n

Resources :<\/h3>\n

Video:<\/p>\n

We All have Mental Health\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Break the Stigma\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Readings :<\/p>\n

Helping Children and Youth Cope – SAMHSA\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Parent Support Resources<\/a><\/p>\n

Podcast :<\/p>\n

Better Mental Health For Kids and Parents Podcast\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

This is Normal : A podcast about youth and mental health<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Learn more about The Chicago School<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Chicago School is dedicated to providing you with an exceptional education rooted in innovation, service, and community.\u00a0Enroll in one of our more than 30 academic programs<\/a>\u00a0today or request more information by filling out the form below!<\/p>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Being at home for an excessive amount of time can be draining and mentally taxing. More specifically, being at home with children on a more consistent basis can also increase the parent’s chance of experiencing mental exhaustion. Being at home all the time and adjusting to new routines can be just as mentally exhausting for children. Just like parents, children are now worried about what their futures will look like and are struggling with how to handle the many different […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":110899,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[704],"tags":[559,223,475],"coauthors":[1131],"class_list":["post-110882","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-for-our-wellness","tag-child-psychology","tag-mental-health","tag-the-chicago-school-of-professional-psychology"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nUnderstanding Your Child's Needs - Insight Digital Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Being at home with children on a more consistent basis can increase the chances of parents or guardians experiencing mental exhaustion. 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