The Life Preservers of Parenthood: Finding Ways to Stay Afloat
“What actions will you take (to cultivate well-being)?”
When it comes to supporting and promoting our kids’ well-being, it takes all of us, the village, beginning within our families and expanding out to the world around us. Well-being involves figuring out how to tread water when things are tough so we can stay afloat. Being buoyant gives us the ability to be well and stay well, so that we can do such things as learn, perform or compete, build and nurture relationships, take risks, and lead engaging and rewarding lives. How do we find out if our kids are staying afloat?
Australia’s R U OK? Campaign is a great example. Their mission “is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life. Reach out, Check in, Make a difference, Change a life (2:36 video). Please dive into their website, look around, share with your kids, and pass on to a friend or loved one.
Reducing mental health stigma and strengthening well-being (our own and our kids’) begins with all of us. Our kids are reaching out and creating the conversations on campus, seeking ways to connect with their peers. They are living with the issues in ways our generation didn’t, and we can all learn from each other.
We hear it in their music as they share their struggles and hope. Our teens are learning to tread water and finding their own ways of staying afloat- even if it begins with getting to school on time. Their generation will be shaping legislation in efforts to change the societal norms. We may be creating the conversation, but all of us will be shifting the cultural mindset about mental, social and emotional health and well-being, If We All Speak Loud Enough (1:09 video).
We eagerly anticipate what can be collectively created by all of us, young, old and in between. By working together we can define the elements needed to nurture a healthy mind, live a balanced life and better relate to those who struggle.
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
Perfectly Imperfect,
