We tend to be our own worst enemies when it comes to critiquing our lives. But some kids take it to the extreme. All that negative self-talk can take a toll on their mental health, especially if it becomes a habit. Let’s look at some strategies you can use to support kids who are too hard on themselves, including reaching out to our youth residential treatment center.
Negative self-talk isn’t just words. It can also be feelings, actions, and beliefs. Examples include:
A negative statement isn’t usually a cause for worry. But persistent statements or feelings of inadequacy require intervention.
Parents can help kids who are too critical by leading by example. Make your mistakes known and let them roll off your back. Embrace your own imperfections. Show that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay to not be perfect.
Don’t ignore your child’s negative expressions. Instead, listen and show you understand them. Talk it through and get to the root cause of their feelings.
Help them put their negative feelings into context. Are they really bad at baseball, or did they just have a bad game? Talking through their feelings can help them realize things aren’t so bad.
In some cases, too much negative self-talk can cause lingering effects. Seeking behavioral therapy or personalized treatment programs in Richmond, VA can get to the root of the problem and get your teen on the right track. Our Sanctuary Model® creates a safe space for sharing to help youth heal from trauma. Contact us today to learn more.
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https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-who-are-too-hard-on-themselves/
