Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube RSS
    Real Momma
    • Entertainment
      1. Wine
      2. Movies
      3. Books
      4. Sports
      5. Fashion
      Featured

      Quick and Easy West Coast Road Trip

      0
      Recent

      Stand Out Entertainment for Your Next Party

      0

      How to Style Casual Shorts for Women

      0

      Low Bridge Sunglasses Solve the Struggle of Slipping Frames

      0
    • Travel
      1. Destinations
      2. Hotels
      3. Attractions
      4. Restaurants
      5. Travel Tips
      Featured

      Quick and Easy West Coast Road Trip

      0
      Recent

      Indulge in Bliss: All-Inclusive 5-Star Resorts in the Maldives

      0

      Take a Look At The Magic of Saudi Arabia

      0

      How to Plan the Perfect Private Event Cruise

      0
    • Life
      1. Household Tips
      2. Health
      3. Stay Organized
      4. Recipes
        • Breakfast
        • Instant Pot
        • Beverages
        • Slow Cooker
      5. Money Tips
      6. Giveaways!
      7. Reviews
      Featured

      Instant Pot Creamy Mashed Red Potatoes

      3
      Recent

      5 Traditional Ways to Celebrate Becoming a Father

      0

      How I Digitized My Home With the Latest Technology

      0

      How Does Your House Plumbing Actually Work?

      0
    • Parenting
      1. Crafts
      2. Fun with the Kids
      3. Tips and Tricks
      4. Pets
      5. School
      6. Toys
      Featured

      The Key Benefits Daycare Can Offer Your Children

      0
      Recent

      The Key Benefits Daycare Can Offer Your Children

      0

      6 Tips for Creating the Perfect Safe Play Space in House

      0

      Protecting Your Service Dog With ID Tags

      0
    • Guest Posts
    • About me!
      • Work With Me
      • Contact Me!
      • Newsletter
      • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
    • Shop
    0 Shopping Cart
    Real Momma
    Tips and Tricks

    Ways to Prevent Bullying and Depression in Kids

    By Friends of Real MommaJuly 18, 2017No Comments4 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

     

    Being a kid is much different today than when we were growing up. Kids today are faced with more stressors than ever, and childhood depression is on the rise because of it. Recent studies have shown almost 10% of children and adolescents experience depression.  A predominant cause of depression among children is being the victim of bullying. Unfortunately, bullying doesn’t discriminate and can happen to boys and girls of any ethnic, racial, religious, or socio-economic background. Lasting effects of being bullied include having low self-esteem and negative self-image, unhappiness at school and difficulty focusing, and trouble establishing healthy relationships with peers.

     

    If you suspect your child is being bullied or suffering from depression, there are several things you can do. It is imperative that parents arm themselves with strategies to help their children cope with feelings of depression and address them sooner rather than later. First and foremost, they need to recognize the signs of depression. Watch for significant changes in behavior, sleep patterns, and diet. Make sure you have open lines of communication. Talk to them about both bullying and depression. This can include role-playing, asking open ended questions, and discussing the differences between teasing and bullying, as well as feeling a little sad vs. being depressed. Assure them they can talk to you about anything. Be your child’s advocate. Collaborate with their pediatrician, teachers, and school counselors to develop a long term plan. Consider allowing your child to talk to an expert. Sometimes kids are more willing to open up to someone other than you. Additionally, experts are experienced in dealing with such issues and can teach effective coping skills and strategies you may not be familiar with as a laymen.

     

    Unfortunately, there usually isn’t a quick fix for depression, and it’s an ongoing process.  In the meantime, though, one of the most effective and immediate ways to help them at home is by getting a pet. Pets have several benefits that help combat depression and help your child feel healthier, happier, and more connected. Pets offer uncomplicated, unconditional love. They don’t say hurtful things, get angry over petty misunderstandings, or hold grudges. They simply love and express joy every time they see their owners. They also offer constant companionship. Having a pet means never having to feel alone or isolated. Additionally, the act of petting a dog or cat (or any other pet, for that matter) offers physical touch and provides comfort, creating a soothing effect and releasing feel-good endorphins in the brain. In turn, this reduces stress and anxiety and helps your child feel calmer and more emotionally balanced.

     

    Further, having a pet means your child will have an added responsibility. Contrary to what you may originally think, a new responsibility provides a distraction and offers a positive focus instead of what’s making her feel down. Plus, she’ll feel good about herself for taking care of something that needs her. She will feel capable, and this bolsters self-esteem and causes a ripple effect in all aspects of her life.

     

    If you opt for a dog, part of the responsibilities will be walking it. This is another win-win for fighting depression. It will make your child be physically active, a well-known tool for negating depressive symptoms. It also is an excellent way to increase social interaction.  People are always wanting to touch a puppy, and this leads to a natural conversation when they ask permission. Even if your child is anxious about talking to new people, dogs and pets are automatic ice breakers. Talking about their pet can easily guide the conversation with very little pressure on your child to generate small talk. If they are engaging in conversation, they are less likely to feel isolated and will benefit mentally from the interaction.

     

    While there is no quick fix for depression, owning a pet has multiple benefits which will show their impact quickly. Having an unconditional friend to love can work wonders for building confidence and self-esteem and combatting the negative effects of bullying and depression. Pairing this with open communication and proper care to address the issue, your child will know they can rely on you and feel hopeful in overcoming their depression.

    Previous ArticleHow Do Successful Couples Ride Through The Low Points Of The Relationship Rollercoaster?
    Next Article Cleaning House: 4 Things You Should Do with Family Keepsakes

    Related Posts

    6 Tips for Creating the Perfect Safe Play Space in House

    October 26, 2023

    Best French Food to Introduce to Your Child

    August 25, 2023

    How to Pick the Right Glasses for Your Child

    July 18, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Recipe Rating




    CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

    Products
    • A to Z Printable Coloring Pages A to Z Printable Coloring Pages $4.95
    Must Try Recipes
    Slow Cooker

    Quick and Easy Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

    3

    Quick and easy meal season is back again! With school in full swing and sports…

    Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

    0

    Instant Pot Ginger-Peach Iced Tea

    2

    Instant Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup

    0

    The Perfect Breakfast: 10 Things to Put on Your Toast When Looking for a Breath of Fresh Air

    0
    Categories
    © REAL MOMMA 2023. Theme by ThemeSphere

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.