Strategies to Improve Kids’ Mental Health – thejewishnews.com

Dr. Brooke Weingarden, DO, MPH

As parents, we tend to be pretty in tune with our children’s physical needs — healthy meals, warm jackets in winter and sunscreen in summer. But mental and emotional needs can be harder to spot and even harder to address. Yet they are no less essential. Good mental health allows kids to feel secure, navigate relationships, learn and thrive.
Dr. Brooke Weingarden, DO, MPH
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month — and with the end of the school year around the corner — this is an ideal time for families to pause and refocus on their children’s emotional well-being.
Summer often brings unstructured time, new social dynamics and shifting routines — all of which can be both exciting and stressful for kids. Layered on top of this is an increasingly complex digital world, where children and parents alike are vulnerable to the pressures of social media. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently issued an advisory warning about the “intensifying culture of comparison” fostered online, particularly among parents exposed to idealized, unrealistic portrayals of family life. It’s not just our children’s mental health we need to be mindful of — it’s ours, too.
So, what can parents do? Here are five concrete strategies to support kids’ mental health this season:
 
1. Create Consistent Routines, Especially When School Is Out
Structure is comforting to children. While the school year provides a built-in routine, summer can feel like a free-for-all. That doesn’t mean you need a rigid schedule — but predictability ­like regular mealtimes, sleep routines and planned downtime help kids feel secure. Think of it as scaffolding, not shackles. Activities like play dates, day camps or overnight camps help to provide structure as well.
2. Normalize Feelings and Make Space for Conversation
Kids don’t always have the words to express what they’re feeling, but they’ll show us in other ways — through mood, behavior or even body complaints. Create space for open dialogue by checking in regularly, modeling your own emotions (“I’m feeling stressed today, so I’m taking a deep breath”), and reassuring them that it’s OK to feel big feelings.
One powerful parenting tool is curiosity: “I noticed you seemed quiet after camp today. Want to tell me about it?” It’s a gentle invitation to connect. You, as a parent, may notice changes in your child’s routine, behavior, eating, sleeping or other usual characteristics. This may be something important to pay attention to.
3. Watch Your Own Social Media Habits              
We can’t expect our kids to develop healthy digital habits if we’re constantly scrolling ourselves. Children are observant; they notice when we’re distracted, disengaged or visibly impacted by what we see online. Set screen boundaries for yourself and model presence. No one is perfect — but we can strive to be intentional.
4. Encourage Play and Creativity
Free play is powerful. It boosts problem-solving skills, emotional regulation and social development. Whether it’s drawing, building, dressing up or just making a mess, let your child take the lead. Not every moment needs to be productive or Instagram-worthy. If your child is old enough to attend camp, this is also a true gift for social, emotional growth, free play, creativity, connection — and best of all — unplugged!
5. Know When to Seek Help
Sometimes, even with the best intentions, children may struggle with anxiety, mood changes or behavior shifts that don’t improve with support at home. Early intervention can make a tremendous difference, and reaching out is a sign of strength. Reach out to your child’s pediatrician, therapist, counselor or psychiatrist if there is any question or concern.
A Final Word
As we enter Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s remember: Our kids don’t need perfect parents. They need present ones.
Remember to help your children thrive in the upcoming months and to take care of yourself as well. They deserve it — and so do you.
Dr. Brooke Weingarden, DO, MPH works at the Birmingham Maple Clinic, www.birminghammaple.com.
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