GUEST BLOG BY ANGELA LEGH | Unraveling the Epidemic of Loneliness: A Call for Real Connection in a Digital Age

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This guest post was written by Angela Legh for the NYC Independent. Angela is an International Freelance Author, an International Bestselling Author, and Motivational Speaker.

In a recent report by the US Surgeon General, recommendations were laid out for parents and caregivers, highlighting the importance of fostering healthy social connections for young people. While these suggestions are undoubtedly valuable, they only scratch the surface of a much deeper problem.

The Challenges Presented by Social Media

The report issued by the Surgeon General fails to address the insidious nature of social media, where comparison and validation-seeking behaviors run rampant. It’s not enough to simply delay the age at which children join these platforms or monitor their screen time. We must equip them with the critical thinking skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and discern between meaningful connections and superficial interactions.

We must acknowledge the detrimental impact of social media and the lack of emotional literacy among today’s youth. Loneliness can stem from the craving for external validation, where one’s sense of self-worth depends on how others perceive them. This notion manifests in believing that “I am good only if you see me as good.”

If a teen’s need for validation goes unfulfilled, the teen may experience heightened feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and even depression. This reliance on external validation from social media can perpetuate a cycle of seeking approval from others rather than fostering genuine self-confidence and inner validation. As a result, the teen may struggle to develop authentic relationships and find themselves increasingly disconnected from their true selves and those around them.

Seeking external validation can signify a disconnection from oneself that can trace its roots back to unresolved childhood wounds. Childhood trauma, whether it’s emotional neglect, physical abuse, or other forms of adversity, can leave deep emotional scars that linger into adulthood. Feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy stemming from these experiences can be overwhelming and difficult to face head-on, so we often bury them deep within our subconscious.

Individuals may seek validation and approval from external sources to numb the pain of these buried emotions. Alternatively, they may seek relief through numbing behaviors, such as alcohol, drugs, or self-harming behavior. Whether it’s through seeking validation from others or engaging in self-destructive behaviors, the person who chooses these coping mechanisms is carving a path toward increased emotional pain. If you notice any of these behaviors in your teens, it’s crucial to seek assistance from a professional.

The temporary relief gained from external validation only perpetuates the cycle of disconnection from oneself. True healing can only begin when we dare confront and acknowledge the buried emotions from our past. Through therapy, self-reflection, and compassionate self-care, we can gradually unearth these suppressed feelings and begin the process of healing and self-reconnection.

By facing our childhood wounds with courage and compassion, we can reclaim our sense of self-worth and break free from the cycle of seeking external validation. Doing so paves the way for genuine self-acceptance, inner peace, and authentic connection with ourselves and others.

Building Meaningful Connections Offline

Investing in solid relationships and encouraging offline, real-world interactions are crucial to combating loneliness. Volunteering to help others can forge deep, compassionate relationships as individuals come together to impact their communities. A few things can lift one’s spirit, such as volunteering to assist those in need. Whether it’s lending a hand at a local soup kitchen or participating in community service projects, the act of giving back fosters bonds based on shared values and a sense of purpose.

Similarly, joining clubs and sports teams offers opportunities to build bonding relationships. Whether it’s a book club, a hobby group, or a sports team, being part of a collective pursuit fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie, where shared experiences and challenges deepen connections among members. Through these activities, individuals combat loneliness and cultivate a sense of belonging and interconnectedness within their communities, contributing to the collective well-being of society as a whole.

Another avenue for teens to establish offline connections is attending local events or workshops tailored to their interests, such as art exhibitions, music concerts, or educational seminars. If necessary, parents can collaborate with other parents to organize transportation and guidance for their teens. These gatherings provide opportunities for teens to mingle with others who share their interests, facilitating connections beyond their existing social circles.

Listening Compassionately

Most importantly, we must listen to the voices of our youth. Let us validate their experiences of loneliness and isolation without dismissing them as trivial or fleeting. Let us offer them the support and resources they need to navigate these turbulent waters and emerge stronger, more resilient, and truly connected to themselves and others.

Ultimately, it’s about more than the number of friends or followers we have online but the depth and authenticity of the connections we cultivate offline. The quality of life is measured by the quality of the relationships we sustain.

It’s time for parents to reflect on the impact of their own social media usage and the importance of fostering real-world connections and social interactions as a model of behavior for their children. My heart sinks when I see a parent on a playground, glued to their phone, scrolling through Instagram while the child begs for attention. At that moment, the parent misses out on genuine interaction, opting for the illusion of connection through social media. Take a moment to observe how parents in your community engage with social media. Let’s unite to fight against teenage loneliness, working toward a future where every adolescent feels acknowledged, heard, and valued for their individuality and worth.

Angela Legh is passionate about promoting emotional intelligence with her book series The Bella Santini Chronicles.While we live in a hyper-connected world, there is a paradox in how loneliness continues to plague the lives of teenagers. Despite the apparent plethora of online friends and social media followers, many adolescents are trapped in a web of isolation, yearning for genuine human connection.

Booth or Bust: Navigating the Conference Circuit as an Entrepreneur/Author

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Introduction

In the world of entrepreneurship and authorship, one of the most challenging decisions involves whether or not to participate in large scale conferences or expos. Whether it's weighing the financial investment against potential gains or considering the impact on visibility and networking, entrepreneurs and authors often find themselves at a crossroads. Amber Raymond (Social Worker, my co-author, and niece) and I have been honoured to have a booth at the American Library Association Conference (in Chicago), as well as Reading for the Love of It (In Toronto) in the past year. We made the decision to be involved in each of these, as well as future ones, by taking many factors into consideration.

Is the Investment Worth It?

Conferences come with a hefty price tag, often ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars for attendance, booth space, accommodations, travel or workshop presenting opportunities. As Canadians, we also have to take into the account the currency exchange rate, which can increase the cost by over 40%. Each time we consider a submission, we have to carefully evaluate the return on investment (ROI) in terms of book sales, brand exposure, and networking potential. More importantly for us is our never-ending question, “How many homes or classrooms could be impacted in a positive way as a result of the connections, sales or impromptu conversations we will have?” That’s a tough one and very unpredictable.

Pros of Visibility: Amplifying Reach and Influence

Visibility is crucial for any entrepreneur or author looking to make an impact. Conferences offer a platform to showcase products, share expertise, and connect with a targeted audience. For "The Power of Thought" series and the related products we offer, being visible at conferences provides an opportunity to reach parents, educators, and influencers who can amplify the message of having a proactive lens when it comes to emotional regulation and management for children. Through our presentations, interactive booths, and networking sessions, we establish credibility and cultivate relationships that extend far beyond the event.

Cons of Taking the Risk: Navigating Uncertainty

However, the decision to participate in conferences is not without its risks. Beyond the financial investment, there's the uncertainty of ROI. Will the cost of attendance translate into significant book sales? Will the audience resonate with the message of "The Power of Thought" series? Additionally, there's the cost of time when we have to take time off of work and away from our families. Can our resources be allocated elsewhere, such as digital marketing campaigns or direct outreach to influencers?

Maximizing Impact

To mitigate the risks and optimize outcomes, let’s approach conference participation strategically. This involves thorough research to identify events aligned with the target audience and theme of "The Power of Thought" series. For us, that includes parents, educators and libraries, which has countless opportunities.

Often, conversations with fellow entrepreneurs who also believe in collaboration over competition open doors. We have joined forces with like-minded people with visions that align with ours in developing submissions as co-presenters. For example, working with Margaret Boersma not only helped us both see things from varying points of view, we dove into current research and developed our plan while pushing each other to think outside of the box. Not only does this collaboration raise the bar, it also cuts the financial cost in half.

Which conferences have served them well? Negotiating favorable terms for booth space or speaking slots, where possible, helps maximize visibility while minimizing costs. Sometimes there are options on the size of the booth and if we are also workshop presenters, that most definitely has its perks with a fully engaged audience who chose us because they have a connection. Leveraging social media and pre-conference promotion can drum up anticipation and attract attendees to the booth or presentation.

The Ripple Effect of Word of Mouth

Ultimately, the goal of conference participation extends beyond immediate book sales. It's about planting seeds for long-term success through word of mouth and endorsements. By forging genuine connections with attendees, speakers, and fellow exhibitors, entrepreneurs can spark conversations that ripple through networks, leading to recommendations, reviews, and partnerships that amplify the reach and impact of "The Power of Thought" series. From our experiences, word of mouth and the feedback we receive about the impact our books is having, liftsand empowers us.

Conclusion: Balancing Risk and Reward

The decision to participate in conferences requires careful deliberation and strategic planning. While the financial cost may seem daunting, the potential benefits in terms of visibility, networking, and word of mouth can outweigh the risks. By approaching conference participation strategically and focusing on customers as well as forging relationship with fellow entrepreneurs, we can elevate our brands, amplify our message, and ultimately, have more impact on families and educators as our books/products/resources find themselves in classrooms, libraries and homes.

Every decision shapes the narrative of success. With a clear understanding of the conference conundrum and a willingness to embrace calculated risks, entrepreneurs can navigate this terrain with confidence and conviction, reaching new heights of impact and influence. For us, the risk has most definitely been worth it! And who knows, maybe a publishing or educational company will want to make us an offer to scoop up our book series, making it more universally accessible through their global reach. Anything is possible.

The Crucial Role of Student Well-Being Embedded in Curriculum

This blog was posted on VoiceAmerica 9 January 2024

Introduction
The focus has been shifting beyond traditional academic achievements to encompass the holistic development of students, with decades of research in support. There are countless renowned thought leaders like Simon Sinek and Jon Kabat-Zin as well as organizations such as CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning), Children’s Healthcare Canada, the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health… the list is expansive. Each has been instrumental in emphasizing the importance of emotional literacy in education and providing resources.

Change Agents
Simon Sinek, a renowned author and motivational speaker, stresses the significance of emotional intelligence in fostering success and well-being. In the context of education, Sinek advocates for an approach that goes beyond imparting knowledge and focuses on nurturing essential life skills. According to Sinek, emotionally literate individuals are better equipped to navigate challenges, build meaningful relationships, and contribute positively to society.

CASEL, a leading organization in the field of education, has developed a comprehensive framework for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). The CASEL framework outlines five core competencies – self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These competencies form the backbone of emotional literacy, providing a structured approach for educators to integrate SEL into their teaching practices.

Children’s Healthcare Canada recognizes the profound impact of emotional well-being on a child’s overall health. By acknowledging the connection between emotional and physical health, this organization underscores the importance of a holistic approach to education. Emotional literacy, as advocated by Children’s Healthcare Canada, becomes a preventive measure, equipping students with tools to navigate stressors and challenges early on.

Three Key Reasons Why Being Proactive for Well-Being in Schools is Critical
⦁ Research indicates that students with strong emotional literacy skills often perform better academically. The ability to manage emotions contributes to improved focus, resilience, and a positive attitude towards learning.
⦁ Emotional literacy fosters the development of strong interpersonal skills. Students who understand and manage their emotions are better equipped to build positive relationships with peers and teachers, creating a conducive learning environment.
⦁ Early intervention through emotional literacy programs can serve as a preventive measure against mental health challenges. Providing students with the tools to understand and cope with their emotions can mitigate the risk of emotional struggles later in life.

Positive Movement
Some countries have well-being embedded in education from early years or in childcare settings. When children learn these strategies at a young age, they have them for life. School Mental Health Ontario offers lessons from K-12 which are secular and exceptional, and it is currently an optional resource. Recent changes have added components of well-being to the grade 7 and 8 curriculum. Boards of Education have provided teacher training with programs through Mindful Schools or offered consultant support, but again, these are typically optional.

Conclusion
Incorporating emotional literacy into education is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. By prioritizing student emotional well-being, educators lay the foundation for a resilient, empathetic, and successful future generation.
Imagine the synergy we could create if every educator not only had the strategies to teach their students, but to embrace the tools themselves. It’s long overdue.
I would love to hear from you as I gather information globally. What is happening in your school, in your school district to support student and staff well-being? Reach out to me through email at lynn@lynnmclaughlin.com or through my website https://lynnmclaughlin.com.

References
ResearchGate (2022) Jon Kabat-Zinn’s research while affiliated with University of Massachusetts Medical School and other places
Retrieved from URL https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Jon-Kabat-Zinn-2065860115

Simon Siniuk (2024) The Optimism Company
Retrieved from URL https://simonsinek.com

CASEL (2024) Advancing Social and Emotional Learning
Retrieved from URL https://casel.org

Children’s Health Care Canada (2022)
Retrieved from URL https://www.childrenshealthcarecanada.ca/en/child-health-advocacy/child-and-youth-mental-health.aspx

School Mental Health Ontario (2024)
Retrieved from URL https://smho-smso.ca

Emotional Well-Being … Are We Proactive or Reactive?

Introduction

In a world where our children face an ever-growing array of challenges, the importance of nurturing their emotional well-being has never been more vital. Parents and educators understand that emotional well-being is not just a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of a child’s healthy development. By taking a proactive approach, we can equip our children with the tools they need to thrive emotionally and academically before they begin to struggle.

I’ve gathered a great deal of research and in this article, we delve into the concept of being proactive with emotional well-being, drawing insights from some of our renowned experts such as Jon Kabat-Zinn, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), and the Pediatric Society of Canada.

What Does the Science Say?

1. Jon Kabat-Zinn

Renowned for his work in mindfulness-based stress reduction, Jon Kabat-Zinn emphasizes the importance of cultivating mindfulness practices, not just for adults but also for children. Research suggests mindfulness techniques can help children manage their emotions, reduce anxiety, and enhance their overall emotional well-being.

By teaching children to be present at the moment, to acknowledge their feelings without judgment, and to use mindfulness exercises like deep breathing, parents and educators can contribute significantly to their emotional development. Mindfulness offers children a toolkit to navigate their emotions effectively.

• The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

CASEL has conducted extensive research on social and emotional learning. Their findings indicate that children who engage in SEL programs tend to perform better academically, experience fewer behavioral issues, and have improved emotional well-being.

SEL involves teaching children vital life skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and effective communication. This holistic approach enables children to understand and manage their emotions, form healthy relationships, and make sound decisions. Implementing SEL strategies at home and in the classroom fosters an emotionally nurturing environment for our kids.

• Insights From the Pediatric Society of Canada

The society emphasizes the importance of early intervention in children’s emotional well-being. Their research indicates that children who receive early support for emotional challenges are more likely to develop the necessary skills for emotional regulation and resilience.

Parents and educators play a crucial role in identifying signs of emotional distress in children and providing appropriate interventions. By being proactive in recognizing and addressing emotional difficulties, we can help our children develop a solid emotional foundation for their future.

Proactive Strategies for Nurturing Emotional Well-Being

1. Open Communication: Encourage children and students to express their feelings openly. Create a safe space where they can share their emotions without judgment. Engage in active listening to understand their perspective. When this becomes normalized, it also becomes natural.

2. Mindfulness Practices: Introduce mindfulness exercises into daily routines. Simple activities like deep breathing and guided meditation can help children manage stress and anxiety. Children can have a “toolbox” of strategies to choose from.

3. SEL Programs: As an educator, consider implementing SEL programs in the classroom. These programs can enhance emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and social awareness in students.

4. Early Intervention: Be vigilant in recognizing signs of emotional distress in children. Seek professional guidance when necessary to address emotional challenges proactively. Follow your instincts if you feel something is of concern.

5. Use Visualization Techniques and Engaging Teaching Tools Visualization allows children to explore and understand their emotions on a deeper level. Encourage them to close their eyes, take deep breaths, and envision a peaceful place where they can manage their emotions. Visualization can help children calm their anxieties and build self-confidence, making it a powerful tool in their emotional well-being toolkit.

When we use evidence-based books to teach emotional well-being (as one example), children can relate and become engaged in the story. Teaching children from a young age to name, recognize, and manage their emotions is proactive. It is never too late! Engaging children with relatable characters, thought-provoking narratives, and follow-up conversations helps them practice the strategies. Educational tools guide our children and youth as they develop these essential skills.

Conclusion

Nurturing our children’s emotional well-being is not just an option; it’s a responsibility we owe to the next generation. By drawing insights from experts like Jon Kabat-Zinn, CASEL, and the Pediatric Society of Canada, we can adopt proactive strategies to help children at home and students in schools thrive emotionally and academically.

Science is clear, and the benefits are undeniable – investing in our children’s emotional well-being today is an investment in a brighter, emotionally resilient future for them. So, whether you’re a parent or an educator, by adopting these proactive strategies, you can empower children to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and empathy, instilling in them the resilience, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills they need for a prosperous future.

Research, including those cited in this article related to children’s emotional well-being

This article was posted on VoiceAmerica’s Blog.

Research/ change agents - Children's Emotional Well-Being

We are passionate about being proactive when it comes to children’s mental health. We have become accustomed to waiting for symptoms for our physical and mental health. We know much more than ever that children can learn strategies at a very young age and have them for life.

This page provides links to evidence based research and change-agents with expertise in child and youth mental health.

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Simon Sinek Millennials in the Workplace Video Interview

“Simon Sinek is an unshakable optimist. He believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together. Simon has devoted his life to help advance a vision of the world that does not yet exist; a world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safe wherever they are and return home fulfilled at the end of the day. Every day is an opportunity to inspire someone.”

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Wait Until 8th

The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least 8th grade.  Banding together helps decrease the pressure to have a phone at an early age. Ten years old is the average age children get their first smartphone and the negative impacts are clear.

More than 50,000 parents have said yes to waiting on the smartphone for their families. Why we should wait, resources, research, smartphone alternatives and more are found on this site.

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Science Daily - New Treatment For Childhood Anxiety Works by Changing Parent Behavior

Excerpt … click above for full article. “A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP), published by Elsevier, reports that an entirely parent-based treatment, SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), is as efficacious as individual cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of childhood and adolescent anxiety disorders.”

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Boston University: Moms Using Mobile Devices During Mealtime Interact Less With Children

According to the researchers, nonverbal interactions are a primary mode through which emotional content is communicated between parents and children, so its frequent displacement could represent a significant decrease in emotional connection. “We theorize that mobile device use was associated with a decreased number of maternal verbal and nonverbal interactions through decreased awareness of the child’s social cues while the mother’s gaze and/or attention was directed at a device,” explained corresponding author Jenny Radesky, MD, clinical instructor in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics at BUSM and a former fellow in pediatrics at Boston Medical Center.

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ResearchGate - Jon Kabat-Zinn's Research While Affiliated With University of Massachusetts Medical School and Other Places

Jon Kabat-Zinn is an American professor emeritus of medicine and the creator of the 'Stress Reduction Clinic' and the 'Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society. This is a compilation of his research.

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What Does the Research Say? Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

The benefits of social and emotional learning (SEL) are well-researched, with evidence demonstrating that an education that promotes SEL yields positive outcomes for students, adults, and school communities.

The findings come from hundreds of independent studies across multiple fields and sources that show SEL leads to beneficial outcomes related to: social and emotional skills, academic performance, mental wellness, healthy behaviors, school climate and safety, and lifetime outcomes.

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CAMH Research Impact Report 2019

Excerpt.. Click above for the full report. “Compared with 15 years ago, there is now widespread public understanding that young people can experience depression and other mental illnesses, and that addressing mental health early is key, says Dr. Peter Szatmari. It has been shown that half of all cases of mental illness begin by age 14. Intervening in childhood and adolescence may prevent mental illness or lessen its impacts over a person’s lifetime.”

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Children’s Mental Health Quarterly - Prevention: Reaching More Kids

Excerpt “ne of the most effective ways to help children and youth is to reach them with prevention efforts before mental disorders develop. Yet to build prevention capacity and to reach more young people, approaches are needed that do not rely solely on direct provision by practitioners. We therefore aimed to identify effective self-directed prevention programs.”

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Children’s Healthcare Canada - Child and Youth Mental Health

Excerpt… Click above for the full document “Research conducted by SickKids (2021) involving 350 children and youth reveals that over 70 per cent reported the pandemic had evoked symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability, reduced attention span, hyperactivity, or obsessions. Among children identifying as visible minorities, almost 28 per cent reported poor mental health symptoms, and 30 per cent experienced symptoms consistent with “moderate” or “severe” generalized anxiety disorder.”

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Child and Youth Mental Health in Canada - Library of Parliament Research Publications

Excerpt … Click above for reference “This Background Paper briefly examines current mental health issues faced by young people in Canada, highlights the role of the federal government in addressing these challenges and describes some recent federal initiatives and investments.”

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SickKids Releases New Research on How COVID-19 Pandemic has Impacted Child and Youth Mental, Physical Health

Excerpt … Click above for full document “While the COVID-19 pandemic has occurred in a series of waves, the heightened levels of depression and anxiety among children and youth seen at the start of the pandemic has remained consistent. This is one of many new preliminary findings from the ongoing COVID-19 mental health study led by The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Taken together, the latest findings demonstrate a serious, sustained negative impact on the mental health of Ontario children, youth and their families.”

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Simon Fraser University Children’s Mental Health Quarterly - Children’s Mental Health, the Numbers and the Needs

Excerpt … Click above for full volume Spring 2022. “How many children are affected by mental disorders? What are the most common disorders that children face? And what is the impact of these disorders? We address these and other questions in this overview.”

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National Library of Medicine … The Importance of Early Bonding on the Long-Term Mental Health and Resilience of Children

Excerpt… Click above for full journal article “The evidence on the powerful role of loving nurture in the emotional, social and cognitive development of children is powerful. Parenting is therefore more important than we could ever have imagined.”

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BMC Psychology - Mindfulness in Primary School Children as a Route to Enhanced Life Satisfaction, Positive Outlook and Effective Emotion Regulation

Excerpt … Click above for full research article. “Taken together, this study provides preliminary evidence that the Living Mindfully Primary Programme is feasibly delivered by school staff, enjoyed by the children and may significantly improve particular components of wellbeing. Importantly, higher levels of mindfulness as a result of training may be related to effective emotional regulatory and cognitive reappraisal strategies.”

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MINDFULNESS GOES TO SCHOOL: THINGS LEARNED (SO FAR) FROM RESEARCH AND REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCES

Excerpt … Click above for full research article. “Limited research with youth has shown promise for the effectiveness of mindfulness-based programs in schools to improve attention and executive functioning, bolster social-emotional resiliencies, and help teachers and students manage school-related stressors. Many schools have begun to integrate these programs into their curricula…”

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The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Childhood Anxiety | Literature Review

We are at the core of an anxiety epidemic (Russell, 2014), with roughly 4.4 million (7.1%) of the world’s children diagnosed with anxiety, an increase from 5.5% in 2007 and 6.4% in 2012 (CDC, 2020). This phenomenon is on the rise. Additionally, one-third (37.9%) of children aged 3-17 diagnosed with anxiety have also been diagnosed with behaviour problems or depression (32.3%). Anxiety disorders, such as social phobia, separation anxiety, and generalized anxiety, are among the most common mental health affliction present in children (CDC, 2020; Elseviere, 2020; Polanczyk et al., 2015), often emerging before they reach eleven (CDC, 2020; Kesler et al., 2005; Reardon et al.,2018). Additionally, many children go undiagnosed (Russell, 2014), and only 59.3% of children aged 3-17 formally diagnosed with anxiety received treatment (CDC, 2020; Reardon et al., 2018). Childhood anxiety is distressful for both children and their families (Elsevier, 2020) and without early intervention and effective resources, anxiety will follow children into adulthood (Copeland et al., 2014), often resulting in adverse outcomes coupled with the related financial burden toll on society (Reardon et al., 2018). Therefore, it is essential, now more than ever, to develop resources for parents, teachers, and the like to assist in supporting anxious children (Klein, 2009). The evidence says it is important to speak openly about the realities of anxiety and educate children on how to tolerate anxiety to learn they can manage their anticipatory fears (Goldstein, n.d.). Children turn to their parents for support and guidance in managing things that scare them (Elsevier, 2020), and the modern contemporary parent will seek resources to help them (Russell, 2014). Literature can provide techniques for facing anxiety is a practical, enjoyable way for guardians looking to teach their anxious children how to cope with life’s struggles. The act of reading out loud with children can be soothing for anxious children (Barr, 2020), and when a guardian is involved in the healing process, it leads to more robust skill development (Brendel, 2011). The content of literature can provide children with the vocabulary and self-awareness needed to understand and express themselves in an otherwise tricky circumstance (Barr, 2020). Ultimately, developing a series of children’s books that offer evidence-based approaches to coping with everyday situations known to cause anxiety in children would be beneficial for children, guardians, and society.

References

Barr, A. (2020, October 29). How Reading Aloud Can Help Children with Anxiety. Demme Learning. https://demmelearning.com/reading-aloud-children-anxiety. 

Brendel, K. E. (2011). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of child-parent interventions for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders (Order No. 3454900). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (871109324). Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ledproxy2.uwindsor.ca/dissertations-theses/systematic-review-meta-analysis-effectiveness/docview/871109324/se-2?accountid=14789

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020, June 15). Data and Statistics on Children's Mental Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html. 

Copeland, W. E., Angold, A., Shanahan, L., & Costello, E. J. (2014). Longitudinal patterns of anxiety from childhood to adulthood: The great smoky mountains study. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 53(1), 21–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2013.09.017 

Elsevier. (2020, April 2). New treatment for childhood anxiety works by changing parent behavior. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 12, 2021 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/04/200402110133.htm

Goldstein, C. (n.d.). What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious. Child Mind Institute.

Kessler RC, Chiu WT, Demler O, Walters EE. Prevalence, Severity, and Comorbidity of 12-Month DSM-IV Disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62(6):617–627. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.617

Klein, R. (2009). Anxiety disorders. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 50(1‐2), 153–162. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2008.02061.x

Polanczyk, G., Salum, G., Sugaya, L., Caye, A., & Rohde, L. (2015). Annual research review: A meta-analysis of the worldwide prevalence of mental disorders in children and adolescents. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 56(3), 345–365. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12381

Reardon, T., Spence, S., Hesse, J., Shakir, A., & Creswell, C. (2018). Identifying children with anxiety disorders using brief versions of the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale for children, parents, and teachers. Psychological Assessment, 30(10), 1342–1355. https://doi.org/10.1037/pas0000570

Russell, A. (2014, december 16). Today’s children struggle with major anxiety [ Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEyWsa-mblc 

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Current Opinion in Pediatrics - Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Adolescent Health

Excerpt “Research has shown positive effects of mindfulness across several health conditions commonly encountered during adolescence. Mindfulness-based Interventions can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.”