Parenting expert shares five-second parenting tip to tackle mental health issues of children

Screen overtime, cyberbullying, pandemic stress in grown-ups and a lot more developments and awareness regarding mental health issues have led us to realize that the mental health of children is equally important. As we become more aware of the influence that children and the adults in their lives have on our own mental health, we recognize that young ones also face their unique set of challenges and experiences that require attention and support.

Dr. Becky Kennedy, a parenting expert and author of New York Times #1 bestseller "Good Inside" with a podcast of the same name, has taken to Instagram to share a simple yet impactful five-second parenting tip that helps children feel validated.

"I know that sounds too good to be true," she begins by saying. "This is going to have a major payoff across the board. I want you to go up to your kids and say this today: 'It can be really hard to be a kid, right?'" she says. "'You know what I’m thinking about? It can be really hard to be a kid. Ugh, yeah.'"

She explains that you are naming a reality for them that adults may not bring up very often. "You are seeing the world from their perspective. You are connecting to a reality that very few adults actively name for them. As you connect, and as you validate, you’re helping your kid feel seen," she says. "And when kids feel seen, their behavior improves across the board."

In her caption, she elaborates and explains, that the "good behavior" she mentions as a payoff for this includes children being more likely to listen, use their manners and cooperate in difficult situations if they feel connected to their parents.

While walking through a busy city transportation station she reminds parents that "Connection is everything when it comes to parenting for the long haul. All the good stuff we want for our kids when they get older-things like secure attachment, resilience and self-confidence-comes from years of kids having felt seen and understood by their parents." Dr. Becky's suggestions emphasize the power that parents have to influence their children's mental health through support, meaningful conversation, fun, routines, self-care and comprehension.

Parents had their own different experiences but nevertheless appreciated this reminder. "If anything it also helps them know it’s okay that they think life is hard, even as a kid, instead of dismissing their struggles. Which I’m guilty of all the time. Thank you for this reminder," commented @justdorothyk. "Without much forethought, I tried this out. It was amazing for my 9-year-old daughter. I’m grateful it worked well for us and now thinking about it a lot have come to the conclusion it really matters how you say whatever you say. Luckily, I said it with curiosity and that’s what was reflected back to me. Amazingly it turns out the result for me was I felt connected and seen by her!! She looked at me with surprise and said back to me with the same curious loving tone, 'It must be hard being an adult?'" shared @shawnjaquette.

Watch the full video here: