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Hope in Action

New Year, New Conversations: Supporting Youth Mental Health as a Family

By January 29, 2025No Comments

The start of a new year offers families a valuable opportunity to reflect on their well-being and set meaningful resolutions. Among the most important of these is prioritizing mental health, particularly for children and adolescents. At Child Saving Institute (CSI), we recognize the essential role that open, ongoing conversations about mental health play in fostering emotional well-being and resilience in youth.

As Zach Davison, LICSW, a therapist at CSI, notes, “For the most part, there’s no wrong way to talk to your kids about their mental health.”

This sentiment is important as families seek to engage in conversations that may feel difficult or unfamiliar. The key is not to worry about perfection, but to open the door for discussion and support.

Creating an environment where children feel safe and supported when discussing their feelings is essential. Davison emphasizes the importance of parents simply showing an interest in their children’s emotional lives:

“As long as you’re opening the door, letting your child know that you would like to hear about their feelings and want to be a part of helping them make positive changes, that’s really the best thing that you can do as a parent for your kiddos.”

Start by actively listening without judgment, making sure your child knows they are heard. Using age-appropriate language is also vital—while younger children may need simple, direct language, teens may require more nuanced discussions that acknowledge their growing independence. Regular check-ins, whether during family meals or casual moments together, can help normalize these conversations and make them a routine part of family life.

Furthermore, children often learn how to navigate emotions by observing the adults in their lives. By modeling healthy coping strategies and demonstrating how to manage stress, parents can teach their children that mental health is just as important as physical health. This may involve practices such as mindfulness exercises, seeking help when needed, or making time for self-care.

The new year is an ideal time to set intentions for mental wellness. For children and adolescents, setting small, achievable goals can build confidence and promote a sense of accomplishment. These goals might include things like trying a new hobby, improving social skills, or learning to relax through mindfulness practices. Collaborating with your child to identify these goals is essential, as it empowers them to take ownership of their own mental health and well-being.

How We Can Help

At Child Saving Institute, we’re committed to helping families navigate youth mental health challenges. “If you feel that additional support would be helpful, CSI is a great place to work through things. Not everything needs to be big and scary,” emphasizes Davison.

Our expert pediatric and adolescent therapy services, along with medication management, offer individualized care to address issues like anxiety, depression, and behavioral struggles. We work closely with families to create holistic treatment plans that promote emotional growth and resilience. Prioritizing mental health is a key resolution for the new year, and we’re here to support your family on that journey.

We’re now accepting new clients. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!