Like adults, children can experience a range of emotions and mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and stress. However, unlike adults, children often struggle to express their feelings and thoughts clearly, making it difficult for parents and caregivers to recognize when they need help. A common question I hear from parents is, “Children forget and move on so quickly. Do they genuinely feel impacted?” The answer is yes! But the question remains—do they need help, or is it the parent who does? This article explores the key factors affecting children, how parents can recognize early signs, and when and where to seek help.

Parenting is never without its challenges, but when stress levels rise due to personal issues, work demands, or global events, it can feel especially overwhelming. In these tough times, the balance between being firm and showing compassion becomes even more crucial. In my practice, I’ve noticed parents oscillating between the age-old punitive style and being extremely permissive, often lacking clarity on what positive parenting truly is and how to really apply positive parenting principles effectively to maintain balance and calm when circumstances are far from ideal. But Is it possible to be both firm and compassionate without compromising one for the other? Read on, to find out...