Our society has a tendency to focus on the problem, rather than the solution. Frequently, children become overwhelmed, depressed and anxious because they don't know how to cope with their problems (and often because they see themselves as the problems). Children need guidance and support, so they can begin to heal.
You Were A Couple Before You Became Parents; Now What?
It may be difficult to maintain the closeness you once had when it was just the two of you. Parenting is a very challenging and sometimes frustrating responsibility that can change the dynamics of a couple's relationship. What's important is for the parents to respect each other and their children by using a consistent parenting style. If the parents are not consistent in their parenting techniques, they and their children usually experience frustration and confusion.
Educate Yourself Before You Medicate A Child.
As this generation of children displays more emotional and psychological problems than ever before, parents are increasingly uncertain about how to meet their children's needs. Many people in today's society believe medication is the solution to a child's behavioral issues. Parents need to understand the root of their child's issues and educate themselves on the pros and cons of medication before considering it for their child.
What Types Of Issues Do
Our Children Currently Face?
In the United States today, 3.5 million children suffer from depression, 3 million or more have anxiety disorders and millions are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD or ADHD). Additionally, the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that the suicide rate climbed 18% from 2003-2004 for Americans under age 20, with most suicides in older teens. This was the only cause of death that increased for children through age 19.
Many of our children are being prescribed strong medication in an effort to reduce the symptoms, yet the causes are left untreated. According to the CDC, three million antidepressant prescriptions were written for kids through age 12 in 2004, among 13-to 19-year-olds, the number rose to 8.11 million.
Anger is also occurring in kids at younger ages and it is not the normal "terrible twos" behavior; it is escalating into hitting and lashing out. In a Texas study 93% of school counselors who were surveyed, said that kindergarteners today are experiencing more behavioral problems than five years ago. Behaviors include aggression towards teachers, fighting (not just slapping, but use of fists), kicking and biting. Parents and teachers are confused by the nature of this behavior.
Today, most children spend half of their day in school, where stringent testing requirements and sometimes crowded classrooms, may cause pressure on students. Additionally, the unique learning styles/needs of each child may not be addressed. The children's "cries for help" can sometimes lead adults to mislabel them, misunderstand their behaviors, and overlook their potential.
Our society has a tendency to focus on the problem rather than the solution. Many times kids get overwhelmed, depressed and anxious because they don't know how to cope with certain issues. They haven't learned to see past the problem and focus on a solution. A Child's Voice believes in focusing on a solution and providing tools, information and resources to fix any hindrance that may occur.
| Below are real issues that children are facing. Is your child prepared to make the right choices? |
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| Nationwide 54.3% of students had tried cigarette smoking. |
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| 25.6% of student had drunk alcohol for the first time before age 13 years old. |
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| 8.7% of students had tried marijuana for the first time before age 13 years old. |
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| 25.4% of students had been offered, sold, or given an illegal drug by someone on school property during the 12 months prior to the survey. |
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| 46.8% of students had had sexual intercourse during their life with 29.3% being 9th grade females and 39.3% were 9th grade males. |
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| Nationwide 6.2% of students had had sexual intercourse before 13 years old. |
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| 33.9% of students are currently sexually active. |
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| Among the 33.9% of currently sexually active students nationwide, 23.3% had drunk alcohol or used drugs before last sexual intercourse. |
| **Center for Disease Control (CDC): 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance** |
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