Children and Teens Mental Health: Call for Emotional Support

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This is a subtle reminder that the family is an essential source of emotional and psychological support for children and teenagers.

Teenager allegedly commits suicide after failing to get her mother's permission to see her boyfriend.

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Dear parents, guardians and childcare givers, it is normal for your teenage daughter to start experiencing feelings towards the opposite sex due to hormonal changes which increases their sex drive and they may be unable to handle such emotions if not adequately counselled or guided in the proper way.

Early sex education is advised and should be continued with more details provided as they grow older.

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Parenting doesn't always have to be harsh, hurtful and without empathy.

It is therefore imperative to:

a. Listen to your teenagers and let them know that you understand them no matter what your

opinion is.

b. Pay attention to their emotional needs and don't disregard any threat or signs they present.

c. Offer them answers or detailed explanations of why their requests or demands won't be granted.

d. Never dare a teenager, especially the one that appears desperate to do something.

e. Avoid comparing, bullying, threatening or blackmailing them to behave in a certain way.

f. Shun any act that will trigger them into having a mental breakdown thereby leading to irrational behaviour or thoughts.

g. Never get tired of offering them emotional support when the need arises. Don't fall into the trap of "you already know what it is and I don't want to repeat myself" style of parenting.

Seek professional help when you feel overwhelmed or out of ideas.

There is nothing wrong with seeking professional help.

Remember

"Globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group." (UNICEF)

Let's help to protect the children and teenagers mental health by providing emotional support to them when needed.