This post was co-authored by Sierrah Hamilton.

Parents today face unique challenges in engaging their children. Studies show that young people spend excessive amounts of time daily interacting with screens, with recent research highlighting the detrimental effects of excessive screen time on youth, including increased anxiety and weakened social skills.

Many caregivers feel lost and ill-prepared, but parents are not passive observers in their child's mental health journey. Research demonstrates that strengthening parent-child bonds significantly improves a child’s mental, physical, and cognitive health. This type of involvement includes practices like actively listening, validating emotions, and practicing empathy, which together create a safe and supportive environment for children to express themselves freely. Equally important is the ability to establish clear, consistent boundaries while offering unwavering love and support. This balanced parenting approach has been shown to be effective.

Recognizing the signs of mental health concerns in children is crucial for early intervention. These signs may........

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