The other day, my Brother shared a review article on the book ‘Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up?’, I thought of sharing my views on the same so writing this blog. The book seems to raise important points about the possible unintended consequences of overly focusing on children's mental health. It dives into trying to figure out why kids are having so many mental health problems, when there are so many resources available to improving mental health. While it's crucial to focus on children’s emotional state, constantly emphasizing feelings may lead to increased anxiety and problems.

The book seems to raise important points about the possible unintended consequences of overly focusing on children's mental health. It dives into trying to figure out why kids are having so many mental health problems, when there are so many resources available to improving mental health. While it's crucial to focus on children’s emotional state, constantly emphasizing feelings may lead to increased anxiety and problems.

In my opinion, parenting plays a vital role as far as growth of children is concerned. By growth, I mean physical, emotional and mental growth altogether.

Comparing Gen X with Gen Z:

Gen X was taught to ‘suck it up’ and to deal with their feelings on their own, so they are able to cope and bounce back in times of adversity. When parenting includes teaching children to take responsibility and deal with their problems on their own, children learn to become independent and resilient. Although Gen X grew up with their parents being ‘Authoritarian’ more or less, they could sail through which cannot be expected from Gen Z due to changing times.

These days parents have become over-protective which is why Gen Z children fail to take responsibility and have become intolerant. Kids immediately over-dramatize everything that happens to them. Parents rely more on a ‘Permissive parenting style’ due to which they cater to their children’s needs without setting clear limits and boundaries. Adhering to the ‘Kids will be kids’ attitude,  parents are often forgiving making their children less tolerant of punishments and even small setbacks.

Having compared both generations, the ‘Authoritative parenting style’ seems best, wherein the parents set clear boundaries for their children while also allowing some autonomy and fostering independence.

Acceptance of emotions (both positive and negative):

We teach children to be happy always by constantly emphasizing on their feelings, which is not something that favors their growth. I believe every basic emotion is important. One can deal with their emotions only when one is able to accept them, be it happiness or sadness, anger or fear, etc. Teaching children to accept both positive and negative emotions is needed rather than over-emphasizing happiness. At times, It’s okay not to be okay. It's normal!

In conclusion, I feel taking into account ‘individual differences’ is the key. Since every child is unique, the ‘one size fits all’ approach can't help.

It’s essential to balance the approach with genuine support for those experiencing challenges and fostering an open and safe environment for children that enables them to discuss their feelings without fear of being judged or labelled as abnormal.

To ensure this, one cannot ignore the role a therapist plays in psycho-educating the parents and helping children enhance their well-being. While I accept the fact that therapy might go wrong in some cases, it doesn’t diminish its overall impact in promoting mental health.