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75 — How to Raise Mentally Strong Kids

January 26, 2024

Studies consistently show that kids are telling us they’re academically prepared for life beyond high school but not emotionally prepared. Fortunately, we can change that. A few shifts in the way we support kids can make a big difference in their ability to build mental strength.
 
In this episode, I explain how to play an active role in helping your children develop the skills necessary to navigate life’s challenges. I share practical exercises that teach kids how to manage their feelings healthily and deal with unhelpful thoughts. These small interventions can give kids the tools they need to become stronger, healthier people.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

  • Almost every college student feels academically ready for college, but 60% report not being emotionally prepared for the challenges of real life.
  • It is essential to help children differentiate between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from a young age.
  • There are effective strategies parents can use to teach children how to manage negative emotions and thoughts.
  • Raising mentally strong children requires allowing them to experience discomfort and helping them develop healthy coping mechanisms.
  • Amy Morin’s books provide insights and exercises tailored to supporting mental strength development in children and parents alike.

Quotes:

“It’s okay to feel angry, but it’s not okay to hit.”

“You have to name it to tame it.”

“Learning how to deal with pain could be one of the best gifts we ever give kids.”

“It’s never too early to start talking about these things, but it’s also never too late.”

“Basically, you raise kids until they’re twelve. After that, your job is to step aside and let them be in the driver’s seat.”

Timestamp

0:00:00 Introduction to the topic of helping kids build mental strength

0:00:31 Importance of emotional preparation for kids

0:01:00 Overview of the challenges kids face today

0:02:03 Strategies to teach kids mental strength

0:03:29 Teaching kids the difference between thoughts, feelings, and behavior

0:05:00 Teaching kids healthy ways to cope with feelings

0:06:34 Teaching kids how to respond to negative thoughts

0:09:48 Importance of letting kids feel uncomfortable and practice dealing with feelings

0:11:14 Encouraging kids to give themselves the same advice they would give to a friend

0:12:14 The importance of allowing kids to make mistakes and supporting them when needed

0:12:14 Three ways to teach kids mental strength: differentiate thoughts, feelings, and behavior; teach healthy coping skills; teach response to negative thoughts.

0:12:46 It’s never too early or too late to start building mental strength.

0:13:11 Book recommendations for parents and kids: “13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do” and “13 Things Strong Kids Do.”

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Connect with the Show

Buy Amy’s books on mental strength

Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor

Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com

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