ask them why they are using that language, what those things mean to them, and what that looks like? Get specific. While the intention of therapy is to help your child, it is also to help equip you to parent well. “So much of therapy with kids involves equipping parents with tools and resources to help their children thrive,” explains Kennedy. How to Talk About Therapy Many teachers are leading the way in teaching kids how to talk about emotions. Even still, it can be intimidating to be vulnerable, share your feelings, and admit you need help. So normalize it in your home. Personally, I felt safe to go to counseling because I saw my dad go and open up about it. “Create space for vulnerability and practice healthy transparency,” Kennedy encourages. “If you go to therapy, open up and share how it’s helped you. Additionally, you can practice vulnerability at home by sharing things like ‘Mom had a bad day, and this is what I did to feel better.’” Don’t make it a big deal, and don’t be afraid to ask about the hard things. If you have littles, explain that just like how they go to the doctor for their physical health, they are going to see a cool new friend with skills to take care of their mental health. (Except it’s more fun because they play games!) How Long Should Therapy Last? Remember, therapy doesn’t have to last forever. “My goal as a clinician is for my clients to have the right tools to help navigate complex feelings. We work toward their goals so they can thrive without therapy. When difficult situations arise, they can come back to therapy for additional support,” Kennedy states. Equipping your kids
with the opportunity to go to therapy now is like putting tools in their toolbox so that they’ll be prepared when they need them down the road.
Tools & Resources Books for Parents
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt • Raising Worry-Free Girls by Sissy Goff • Raising Emotionally Strong Boys by David Thomas • Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy • How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish Books for Kids • The Grand Hotel of Feelings by Lidia Branković • The Color Monster by Anna Llenas • Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival • A Little SPOT of Emotion series by Diane Alber Movies & TV • Inside Out and Inside Out 2 • Toy Story 5 (if discussing emotions and relationships) • Elemental (explores belonging, identity and family expectations) • Bluey (great conversation starter for emotional regulation and family relationships)
Helpful Apps • Calm • Headspace
• Smiling Mind (free mindfulness app for kids and teens) • Finch (self-care and habit-building for older kids and teens)
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