The foundation for raising a child is the relationship between parents and children. Good relationships will not be eroded when stress comes. If children feel from the very start that you are there, problems will be weathered.
Teenagers sometimes go through a phase, and parents shouldn’t feel rejected. Learn to respect the distance the child is creating, but communicate that you are there. Dr. Cornelio Banaag encourages parents to be readily available for their children: “Knock on my door anytime. Send me a message when I’m not around, but please let me know when there is something troubling you.”
Make sure your child gets adequate sleep. Set a bedtime and stick to it. Staying up texting friends or playing on the computer until the wee hours are going to have a detrimental effect on your child’s mood, as well as on his/her overall health. Adequate rest has been proven to protect teenagers from depression and suicidal thoughts.
Encourage your teen in some sort of spiritual pursuit. Studies show that adolescents with higher levels of spiritual well-being have fewer depressive symptoms and fewer risk-taking behaviors.
Take time to really talk to and listen to your child. Teach positive coping skills, and let your child know it is okay—even desirable—to ask for help.
Cathy Sanchez-Babao
