Mental health issues have increased dramatically in children and teens. Whether your children are in college or grade school, there is a good chance they have times that they struggle with anxiety or depression. If you have a child that has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or other diagnosed condition, this makes things even more challenging. As school starts up again, there are ways you can support your dear ones, such as natural anxiety medication for children, so they excel.
Help Establish Clear Goals
All children experience more success when they have clear objectives to work towards. Sit down with each child and discuss specific goals that you both want to achieve. These goals should be realistic, as many children, especially those with ADHD or anxiety, can get easily frustrated. Once you have established some goals, there are certain strategies you can put in place to improve the chances of your child reaching them:
- Break goals and tasks down into smaller, more manageable chunks
- Establish routines for bedtime, morning, and homework
- Help with time management
- Outline time for breaks
- Leave time for fun and creative activities
Encourage your child along the way and give praise when it is appropriate. You may also want to give meaningful incentives to reach goals and celebrate when there is success.
Encourage Healthy Mental Health Practices
Although there is ADHD medication over the counter available, it may be possible to manage your child’s symptoms without it. Even children who do not struggle mentally benefit from practices relating to positive mental health.
One simple strategy is to encourage physical activity, as exercise does wonders to support mental health. It does not need to be a lot of exercise: Even 20 to 30 minutes a day can boost feel-good chemicals in the brain. Have your children find activities that they enjoy, whether it is dancing, running, swimming, biking, or karate.
Spending time outside is another way to boost positive mental health, and it is even better when you can combine it with exercise.
Depending on the age of your child, meditation or reflection practices may be beneficial. This can include guided meditation, journaling, or yoga.
Getting a good night of sleep is also an important way to improve your child’s mental health. Sleep restores the body and brain, which sets the child up for success the next day.
Seek Treatment When Necessary
Although lifestyle changes and an organized schedule may help, they are not always enough. If you have a child that is still struggling, it is ok to seek treatment. Therapy can do wonders, and there are many different types of options, depending on what your child needs.
There is also medication available. However, if you want to avoid dangerous prescription drugs, there are alternatives. There is homeopathic ADHD medication as well as non habit forming anti anxiety medication.
Between academic demands and social expectations, school can be stressful and mentally challenging for many. As a parent, there are a number of things you can do to support your children and celebrate their accomplishments.
