Kids have a penchant for the dramatic sometimes.
Hyperboles like, Im starving!
or Youre the worst mom, EVER!
Someone taking their toy or insulting them feels like the end of the world.
Kids, for the most part, dont understand what it means to die the way adults do.
Instead, kids are mimicking things theyve heard others express in intense moments.
Ganjian says, Here’s the key: Even if you suspect exaggeration, take ALL statements seriously.
There are several steps to take in this scenario.
Allow them to communicate: Can you tell me whats going on right now?
or Im here to listen to you.
Things can feel really overwhelming sometimes."
Support: Youre not alone in this.
Your feelings matter to me.
Moving from step to step helps your child feel listened to and loved, even if theyre feeling bad.
Brogan says focusing on times in the past theyve moved through a negative feeling helps build resiliency.
Resilient kids can handle hard situations with less adult intervention and less internal pain.
Once you know whats really going on, it’s possible for you to problem solve together.
Speak to your pediatrician or mental health provider.
(Remember that research has shown that asking about suicide does NOT plant the idea.)
Both experts emphasize that feeding the connection with your child is more important than anything you say or do.
Connection is protection," Brogan says.
“We want young children to have these connections.”
Connecting with your child when they feel big feelings is what will help them feel safe and loved.
Here is the most important part, Ganjian says.
Realize that the opposite of depression is not happiness.
The opposite of depression is connection.
