HEALTH AND WELLNESS |
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026 | 11 |
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of influencers, filtered photos,“ rage bait,” and other content focused on making money or eliciting an emotional response from followers. |
Consequently, it has an impact on our mental health and self-esteem through the constant comparison of what others have, what others are doing, and reinforcing societal norms or expectations.
Q: What advice do you have for parents trying to create healthy technology boundaries at home?
A: Start small and start late. While every family’ s values are different, research such as The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt can help guide decisions about technology.
Have proactive conversations with your teen about expectations, concerns, and consequences.
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Begin with basic technology to build trust and responsibility before introducing internet access or social media( e. g., smartwatches or smartphones without internet access). Don’ t be swayed by“ everyone else has it,” and stay connected with like-minded parents while keeping up with evolving technology.
Q: How can parents encourage open communication so their children feel comfortable talking about difficult emotions?
A: If I could scream these tips from a rooftop, I would! There are many, so don’ t feel pressure to do it“ perfectly.” Teens are highly perceptive, and they realize when you’ re genuinely trying. Consistency is key; it doesn’ t need to be daily, but ask them open-ended questions on a regular basis.
The hardest part for parents is just listening rather than responding.
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It’ s natural for parents to jump in with solutions or“ life lessons,” but the goal is connection— so pause, listen, and validate first.
Q: How can parents help their children build resilience and confidence?
A: This can be taught, practiced, and continuously developed from a very young age. If you find your child or teen struggles with confidence, one way to help them is to allow them to make small decisions and offer intentional praise when they make positive choices.
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Parents sometimes feel pressure to be teachers, finding areas for improvement in every aspect of their lives. However, over time, this pattern can be detrimental to their confidence.
See something positive: acknowledge it and leave it there!
Q: Many people still feel hesitant about therapy. What would you like families to know about the counseling process?
A: Feeling hesitant about therapy is common, especially for first-time clients. I encourage families to research the concerns they’ d like to address and explore therapist profiles on sites like Psychology Today to find the right
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fit. Many therapists also offer complimentary consultation calls to answer questions and help determine whether the relationship feels like a good match.
Q: If readers could take away one message about mental health and family wellness, what would you want it to be?
A: You do not need to be a perfect parent in order to be a good parent. We will inevitably face struggles, obstacles, and challenges, but what matters in kids’ and teens’ development is that they feel loved, safe, and seen by their family. When we establish and maintain a healthy relationship with our children, even into adulthood, they can feel empowered to seek help when they need to and bravely face the world as they grow.
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