Silent tragedy

Dr. Luis Rojas Marcos has highlighted a silent tragedy unfolding in our homes, concerning our most precious treasures: our children. The emotional well-being of our children is in a devastating state. Over the past 15 years, researchers have presented increasingly alarming statistics indicating a sharp and continuous rise in childhood mental illness, now reaching epidemic levels.

The Statistics Speak Volumes:

• 1 in 5 children have mental health issues.
• A 43% increase in ADHD cases has been observed.
• Teenage depression has increased by 37%.
• The suicide rate among children aged 10 to 14 has risen by 200%.

What’s Happening to Our Children?

Today’s children are overstimulated and overwhelmed with material possessions but lack the essential foundations of a healthy childhood, such as:

• Emotionally available parents
• Clearly defined boundaries
• Responsibilities
• Balanced nutrition and adequate sleep
• Physical activity, especially outdoors
• Creative play, social interaction, informal play opportunities, and time for boredom

Instead, recent years have seen children facing:

• Digitally distracted parents
• Permissive parenting that allows children to “rule the world” and set the rules
• An entitlement mentality, receiving without earning or being responsible
• Poor sleep and unbalanced nutrition
• Sedentary lifestyles
• Constant stimulation, technological distractions, instant gratification, and no time for boredom

What Can We Do?

To raise happy and healthy individuals, we need to wake up and return to basics. It is still possible to make a positive change. Many families report immediate improvements after implementing the following recommendations:

• Set Boundaries: Remember, you are the captain of the ship. Your children will feel safer knowing you are in control.
• Offer a Balanced Lifestyle: Provide what children need, not just what they want. Don’t be afraid to say “no” when necessary.
• Nutrition and Sleep: Provide nutritious food and limit junk food. Ensure a consistent sleep routine.
• Outdoor Activities: Spend at least an hour a day outdoors engaging in activities like cycling, hiking, fishing, or bird/insect watching.
• Family Time: Enjoy daily family dinners without smartphones or technology distractions. Play board games or engage in other interactive activities.
• Household Responsibilities: Involve children in age-appropriate tasks (e.g., folding clothes, setting the table, feeding pets).
• Teach Responsibility and Independence: Avoid overprotecting them from frustration or mistakes. These experiences help build resilience.
• Delay Gratification: Teach children to wait and delay gratification. Provide opportunities for boredom, as it fosters creativity.
• Limit Technology Use: Avoid using technology to cure boredom. Use moments without technology for social interaction and brain training.
• Emotional Availability: Be emotionally present to connect with children and teach them self-regulation and social skills.
• Model Values: Teach and model behaviours such as greeting, taking turns, sharing, saying thank you and please, recognizing mistakes, and apologizing without forcing it.

By implementing these strategies, we can help our children develop into emotionally healthy and resilient individuals.