As parents, our most basic job is to make sure our children are happy, fed, safe, clean, and healthy. Those first four seem to be the easiest. It’s that last one that keeps us up at night, especially in the face of a global pandemic. While it is true that things are getting better, kids are still socializing less and spending more time at home. That means we also have to start thinking of ways to positively impact their emotional health.

Here are three things you can start doing right now to improve your children’s emotional health.

1) Get in Touch with Your Feels- As silly as this may sound, your kids need to know that you have feelings too. This shows them that it’s ok to be vulnerable and demonstrates healthy ways to express their own feelings. When you’re happy, express it. If a TV commercial makes you sad, say so! Sharing your feelings, in a positive way, is as good for you as it is for your kids. You may also try talking to your kids about their feelings. It helps build trust and shows them that you are a reliable shoulder to cry on. This will become important as they get older and face more complex emotional issues. I often ask my daughter about her feelings while we are in the car. I’ll start by asking what she’s most excited about that day. Then I’ll ask about anything that makes her sad. I always finish on a positive by asking what made her feel happy that week. Don’t be afraid to involve other parents or even grandparents. You may be surprised  how much they’ll tell grandma that they won’t tell you, just don’t betray their confidence unless there could be a harmful impact if you don’t.

2) Listen Linda- Similar to our last suggestion, show your kids you are listening. Active listening is a good tool for retaining information as well as demonstrating to your children that you hear what they are saying. What’s more is to act on it. If you child shares a specific dislike, try to eliminate it if reasonable or ask how you can improve the situation. Just like you, your kids want to be heard and feel validated. Show them that their words have value to you. Children become more confident when they feel like they are being heard. Nothing feels worse than feeling like your parents don’t understand.

3) Bond, James Bond- This one is simple, make time to spend with you children and bond! Introduce them to your hobbies and take an active interest in some theirs. You never know, maybe you’ll find something you both like and will enjoy for years to come. This also helps them make positive, long lasting memories to reflect on as they get older. Think about your best memories with your parents, I could almost bet they came from the simplest moments spent together.

What are things you do to improve your children’s emotional health?