The society provides significant opportunities for learning according to which children tends to learn very soon, alongside experiencing some limitations and gender privileges. With changes in experiences, it is very difficult for a child to cope with the societal changes and family practices, particularly when the child is growing to adulthood. On this account, the aim of this paper is to provide significant insight related to the aspects through which parents treat their children encountered with depression. The manner in which the parents treat their children is dependent upon the condition or behavior of the child. ‘The involvement of parents in the treatment of their child’s depression' is also an important aspect, which is main object of the paper.
The parents of teens are shouldered with enormous responsibilities as their child is growing and gaining its own individuality. Such parents witness behavioral changes in their children that are mainly resulting from the raging hormones as well as pressure posed by peers. Emotional highs and lows play a prominent role in the transformation of a child into a teen that helps them learn about how to overcome such situations (Benoit, Lacourse and Claes). However, some of the children may come across depression resulting in family upheaval regarding emotional roller-coaster as the young child make efforts to survive in a world where their beliefs vary.
Children during early teen ages are at the constant mainstay of exposure to burdens enrooted with the lack of motivation and enthusiasm, agitation, hopelessness, and anger. Dealing with everyday life can be branched out from the past experiences related to abuse or not being able to fit in the crowd, or being bullied at a very young age (Benoit, Lacourse and Claes). In context to the aspect mentioned above, parents are often unaware of what measures are applicable for the treatment of their child’s depression. Therefore, it is necessary for the parents to consult a primary care physician as well as the family therapist. The designing of a treatment plan will be dependent upon the severity of the condition.
However, parents are educated to participate actively in the facilitation of care. Firstly, the parents should talk to their child about how they feel and their daily life happenings taking place at home and at school which can be of bothersome nature. Moreover, the parents of children with depression should discuss the problems of their child with their doctor to obtain a clear picture of the underlying cause. The doctor may facilitate with certain recommendations regarding counseling so that the child can be helped by the varying emotions and behavior (American Academy of Pediatrics). Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the parents to assure security and safety of their children which can be practiced by talking with the child about bullying that is regarded as the major cause of mental health problems.
Conversely, by providing the child with additional support, alongside reducing the stress by making changes in chores, activities, or amount of homework. Parents should promote adoption of a healthy lifestyle by encouraging the child to consume a healthy diet, adequate sleep, engagement in physical exercise, limited screening time, and development of positive connections with people at home as well as at school (American Academy of Pediatrics). The depressed child should be frequently appraised for good behaviors and parents should establish a strong bond with the child so that they can point their child’s strengths and weaknesses. On the contrary, monitoring should be carried out regarding social activities of the child along with the proper administration of the medications. The recovery road may be long, but the help and support of the parents can assist the child in seeking a way out from the depression.
Works Cited
American Academy of Pediatrics. Childhood Depression: What Parents Can Do To Help. 12 3 2015. Web. 17 2 2016. <https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Childhood-Depression-What-Parents-Can-Do-To-Help.aspx>.
Benoit, A., E. Lacourse and M. Claes. "Pubertal timing and depressive symptoms in late adolescence: The moderating role of individual, peer, and parental factors." Development and Psychopathology 25.2 (2013): 455-471. Print.
