Our world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and this rapid transformation presents unique challenges for families.
Social media, friends, school, sports — all these things can stress kids out. And now, you can add in things like hurricanes, super tornadoes, floods, and fires!
A study by the American Psychological Association found that teenagers report experiencing high levels of stress, often comparable to the stress levels reported by adults.
However, a study in BMC Psychiatry showed that parents can foster resilience and well-being in their children by practicing active hope. It can empower families to face challenges and create positive change together.
Georgetown University developmental psychologist Rachel Barr says one powerful tool parents can practice with their children is active hope.
“Being future focused and thinking, well, what can we do rather than what we can’t do?” asked Barr.
Active hope starts when parents stop and take a breath.
“This sounds really silly, but it really helps us slow down our heart rates that breathing just regulates your entire system,” Barr said.
And then conversations can begin and evolve.
“So, trying to sort of think about at each of the different ages, what is the information that children know and can build on?” explained Barr.
How can parents foster active hope?
“You have to think about how to break down this problem,” Barr said.
Ask yourself, what is my child worried about? What will they understand?
Then find ways they can actively work on problem solving, breaking it down into small, manageable steps.
It worked for McCall Booth, a post-doctoral fellow at Georgetown University. She grew up concerned about the environment but learning what she could do helped ease her mind and led her to study science.
“The thing that really helped me not have a complete doomsday approach was discussions with my parents, realizing what are the realities, but also what are things that I can do,” explained Booth.
Just breathe deeply, and actively build a better future.
Barr doesn’t want you to confuse active hope with false hope. She says active hope is realistic hope. Not ignoring or sugar-coating challenges but realizing what they are and focusing on what you can do to help.
Also, practicing active hope can and should involve everyone — children, siblings, parents, grandparents, your school, and community leaders.