They’re just kids, they’ll grow out of it!

 

They are only kids, is often what we tell ourselves. They will grow out of it. Well, for some kids yes they do grow out of their tantrums and misbehavior but for others it’s far more complex than kids being kids. As a child, I dealt with my fare share of anxiety, depression and what I came to find out I was living with OCD since the age of 5. I never really talked about how I felt with my parents, I always kept it in. Today was the first day I realized that my 6 year old daughter might also have mental health issues that I still don’t quite understand but I know the symptoms. For those of you who know my daughter, she was a hand full from day one, all I knew was that I am her mother and regardless of her actions, I will always defend and be behind her no matter what. What really got me today, aside from being pulled into class by her teacher after school but rather the negative self talk that came out of her. It hurt me to the core because that was me growing up. For example, she is one bright girl! Her teacher informed me that often times she is not paying attention in class but when it comes time to do the work she does not need help or may need it explained once and she’s got it! I’ve always known she is one smart cookie! When we do homework at home, I don’t even have to read the directions and she knows exactly what do and how to do it but when it comes to correcting or helping her she has that negative self talk stating she’s not good enough. I had to stop her right there, we started saying positive affirmations and of course her being her she would say the opposite of the positive affirmations. As a mother we try to protect our kids as best we can and shield them from harms way but as mothers we must also know when it is time to seek help for the behavior. Therapy has come along ways from your taboo mindset. I myself sought therapy when I came crashing in 2021 and let me tell you it was the best decision I ever made. Some may think, who wants to listen to our problems but rather most often therapist know how it feels to feel what we feel and has tools that can help us live a peaceful, stress free and joyous life. I am no mental health therapist, yet but knowing the early signs of mental health issues in children/adolescent is key for them to live life abundantly. 

Until next time, 

Perfectly Imperfect with Priscilla Cabrera

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