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7 Ways to Help Your Kids Thrive While Staying at Home
It happens several times every school year. Brief periods when schools are closed. Summer break. Winter break. Other holidays. Snow days. And now you’re stuck at home with your kids—24/7! How can you avoid getting on each other’s nerves and turn school breaks into an opportunity for family growth? Try these simple strategies to help you—and your kids—get the most out of this time together. 7 Ways to Help Your Kids Thrive While Staying at Home 1. Get Moving At school, kids often have PE or play team sports. But without an organized athletics schedule, they may be tempted to curl up in their room with their phone. Getting active together with a fast-paced walk around the neighborhood or indoor exercise can help boost mood, decrease stress, and relieve feelings of anxiousness. According to a 2019 review of scientific research appearing in Current Sports Medicine Reports,¹ physical activity can be as effective as certain medications for mood. In part, this is because exercise can increase activity of the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Another way to promote serotonin balance is with Serotonin Mood Support. 2. Start a Book Club at Home A great way to connect with your children is to select a book the whole family will read. Since mood issues are becoming more prevalent in our society, choose a book that can help you, and your kids, overcome worry and negativity. Great selections from BrainMD’s founder Dr. Daniel Amen include his bestselling book The End of Mental Illness and Stones of Remembrance. The latter is a quick read and contains inspirational Bible verses for when you feel worried, sad, or stressed. 3. Start a Journal Encourage your kids to express their thoughts, feelings, fears, and ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) in a journal. This is a great way to capture a record of this time in their life that they can look back at decades from now. As an added bonus, the act of writing down negative thoughts helps get them out of your head. Here's an effective exercise that can help you exterminate the ANTs that infest your mind. 4. Make Self-care a Priority Chances are, you and your kids have been too busy during the school year to dedicate much time to self-care. Now, with more time in your schedule, it’s a perfect opportunity to teach your children the importance of self-care. Beginning a meditation practice can be beneficial for cognitive function, stress reduction, and a better mood—all of which can help you cope with your kids being home during school breaks. Here are some meditation audios to help you get started. 5. Start a Group Project Making homemade outfits, decluttering your house, or doing a jigsaw puzzle—group projects can help everyone feel like they’re on the same team. If your family thrives on friendly competition, turn it into a contest. Give out prizes for: Who can make the most crafts in an hour? Who can get rid of the most stuff from their closet? Who gets the creativity award? 6. Set Personal Goals Encourage your child to think about what they want to do with the rest of their life. Be a good role model and show them how to set goals for their relationships, school, career, and health. This is a powerful exercise. When you tell your brain what you want, your brain can help you achieve it. Write your child's goals on a sheet of paper or use the One Page Miracle exercise. 7. Learn New Skills Since the brain is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets.² Use school breaks to encourage your kids to try something new. Whether your child wants to play the guitar, study computer programming, or learn a new language, there are many online apps that can help. If you want your child to learn how to love and care for their brain, sign up for the Brain Thrive by 25 online course from Amen University. Help Teens & Young Adults Unlock Peak Brain Performance Is your kid or young adult struggling with focus, poor grades, low confidence, or mood swings? Brain Thrive by 25, developed by top brain experts Dr. Daniel Amen and Dr. Jesse Payne, delivers a powerful, science-based roadmap to optimize brain health during its most critical growth years. What you’ll gain: Clear guidance on how the developing brain controls attention, memory, mood, and resilience Tools to improve focus & learning, support emotional well‑being, and reduce stress Strategies to prevent damage from screens, toxins, and substances like alcohol or marijuana Nutrition and lifestyle plans that enhance sleep, mental clarity, and overall brain function Worksheets, labs, and slides perfect for teens, parents, and instructors to track progress Backed by studies showing significant boosts in self-esteem, decision-making, and reduced substance use, this course is ideal for families, educators, and anyone invested in a young person’s future. This course has been taught in all 50 states and has helped thousands of kids and young adults learn how to improve brain function and performance. Brain Thrive by 25 is also offered with 3 transferable undergraduate credits. Make the Most of Your Breaks We hope the above tips will help you motivate your kids, and maximize their time off, during school breaks. With these action steps in place, you'll be able to transform school breaks from something you dread into something the whole family can enjoy. You've got this! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen. References: 1. Schuch, F. B., & Stubbs, B. (2019). The role of exercise in preventing and treating depression. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 18(8), 299–304. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0000000000000620 2. Kidd, K. (2022, December 29). 6 tips to keep your brain healthy. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org
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Here's How to Talk to Your Teen About Mental Health
Having a conversation with your teen about mental health can be a touchy subject. Since stigma exists around mental health issues, your teen may have shameful or defensive feelings at the mere mention of the topic. Don’t let that deter you. Even though a host of social and physiological factors may put them at risk for mental health problems, the average teen knows very little about taking care of their mental health. The National Alliance of Mental Illness reports that 1 in 5 teens live with a mental health condition, and less than half of those receive the support they need. While mood problems are common in teens, they also can suffer from eating, personality, substance abuse, and psychological issues. By talking to your teen about mental health, you can help them identify their challenges and increase the likelihood of them getting the help they need. For teens with mental or emotional struggles, your conversation might encourage them to reach out for help. With insights from multiple mental health experts, here are some suggestions for how to talk to your teen about the importance of mental health. 7 Practical Tips on How to Talk to Your Teen About Mental Health Find the Right Time and Place This is key. It’s best to give yourself ample time and possibly an activity to do when you discuss mental health with your teen. They might feel more comfortable if you’re doing something where you don’t have to maintain direct eye contact. An activity, such as baking or throwing a ball, can help take the pressure off. Link Mental Health to Physical Health Help take the stigma out of mental health by explaining that it’s akin to physical health and that people of all ages need to be aware of and take care of their mental health. Explain the benefits of good mental health by noting how it’s important for coping with stress, feeling good about yourself, and succeeding in life. You might also mention that mental health varies, depending on circumstances or the season of life, and may require them to seek out help at different times. If a mental health issue is confirmed, let them know it’s nothing to be ashamed of and that there are treatment options available to help with their situation. Bad Days Happen Your teen may not know the difference between a more serious mental issue and simply having a bad day or week. Help them understand that feeling low, stressed, or anxious about conflict, disappointment, loss, or other upsetting situations is completely normal. Let them know that such feelings should match the situation and should resolve as things improve. Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues Make your teen aware of the warning signs of mental health concerns (listed below). Having even one of these signs may be an indication that they need to speak up and reach out to an adult they trust for help; whether that’s you, a doctor, caregiver, counselor, teacher, or another trusted relative or family friend. Remind them that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 10 Common Warning Signs of Mental Health Concerns for Teens Feeling sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks Seriously trying to harm or kill oneself or making plans to do so Severe out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or weight gain Seeing, hearing, or believing things that aren’t real Repeatedly using drugs or alcohol Drastic changes in mood, behavior, personality, or sleeping habits Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities Highlight the Danger of Stereotypes Remind your teen that mental problems aren’t always shown realistically or respectfully on social media, in movies/TV, or even in the news. As with any health struggle or disability, people with mental issues deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. A mental problem isn’t a moral failing. Listen Talking to your teen about mental health concerns might help them open up and share. Experts almost universally agree that the best thing you can do is simply listen to your teen. Don’t give advice. Don’t judge. And don’t compare, dismiss, or minimize their feelings. Also, it’s important not to react emotionally. If there are moments of silence, that’s okay. This will encourage your teen to continue talking. Say things like “tell me more.” Be curious. Ask, “What can I do to help you right now?” Experts remind parents that teens know a lot about themselves. It’s presumptuous of parents to think they know better. When you listen, they may feel relieved and less alone. Discuss Brain Healthy Habits Don’t forget to talk about brain care. After all, good mental health is a byproduct of a healthy brain! Talk to your teen about the many things that can support their brain health, like: Protecting the brain from injury Getting adequate sleep (about 7 to 9 hours each night) Participating in brain healthy sports Eating brain healthy foods Drinking plenty of water Making time for relaxation and recreation Taking brain-boosting supplements What you model for your teen is far more powerful than what you tell them. Live a brain-healthy lifestyle and take care of your own physical and mental health so you can make mental health a priority for your entire family! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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12 Tips for Distance Learning & How to Help Your Child Thrive at Home
They say home is where the heart is. During this unique moment in history, home is also where many families live, work, and go to school…together. With many of the nation’s schools closed and stay-at-home orders in effect for most states, some parents have stepped up to teach their kids. Many parents will find the adjustment to working from home while helping their students with the school to be disorienting, distracting, and isolating. As with any transition, there are pros and cons. So, what can stressed-out parents do to help their kids thrive while working from home? Here are 12 tips for distance learning and how to create an effective learning environment at home... 12 Tips for Distance Learning & How to Help Your Child Thrive at Home 1. Establish a Daily Schedule Some kids are more active and may resist a structured study time. On the flip side, some kids thrive in a structured environment. To make sure everyone’s on the same page, determine the best work/study flow for everyone in the family and post a daily schedule in the house where everyone can see what activities will be happening at what times. 2. Get Up Early Parents who follow the old “Early Bird” adage, may find that getting up before their kids allows them to ease into the day before being bombarded with requests, questions, activities, and responsibilities. This strategy can help parents settle into their workday with minor tasks, such as responding to emails, during their kids’ study times. Recess/exercise breaks can be an ideal time to work on high-level projects or make business calls. 3. Take a Break Although it sounds counterintuitive as a time management strategy, research demonstrates that taking a break actually improves focus and efficiency. Depending on your child’s attention span, you may do a 30- or 45-minute lesson followed by 15 minutes of free time, especially active playtime. By switching their attention to something else for a brief period, your child can return to their studies with a renewed focus. 4. Get Moving In lieu of PE class or team sports, organize an exercise schedule for the whole family. Getting active together, with a fast-paced walk around the neighborhood or an indoor workout, can help improve mood, decrease stress, and alleviate anxious feelings. Physical activity boosts dopamine and enhances blood flow to the brain, which should help you and your kid(s) think more clearly. 5. Check-in Frequently Many children have difficulties with follow-through. If this describes one of your kids, make sure they know exactly what’s expected of them in each lesson and that assignments are completed on time. Frequently checking in with your child will help them stay on track and ensure that they don’t miss a deadline. 6. Use Positive Reinforcement Kids tend to react better to encouragement than criticism. Rather than pointing out what they’re doing wrong – not finishing an assignment on time, answering a test question incorrectly, or fidgeting – be sure to notice what they’re doing right. Saying things like, “You’re doing a great job” can go a long way toward boosting their confidence. 7. Stay Calm Some children, particularly those with low levels of dopamine, thrive on conflict. They can be masterful at making other people frustrated or angry at them. Never lose your patience with a child, and always look for ways to maintain peace in your home. 8. Streamline Your Lunchtime Get the whole family involved in making lunches the previous evening so you don’t waste valuable time the next day. This will help free up your lunch break to make business calls, set up appointments, pay bills, or spend some quality time with your family. Instead of making lunches one day at a time, you can set up the entire week’s lunches by doing meal prep over the weekend. 9. Get Creative According to a 2016 study, spending 45 minutes making art can significantly lower cortisol (a major stress hormone). Joining your kids can provide a creative release for you and allow you to spend more time with your kids doing something fun. Creative hobbies can offer physical and mental health benefits, so carve out some time in your schedule for them. 10. Limit Screen Time If you need to take an important call or are on a tight deadline to finish a project, you can grant your kids screen time to keep them occupied. Though not a stopgap you should use on a consistent basis, it can be a huge help if you’re in a bind. If you’re concerned about what your kids are viewing, or how much time they’re spending on apps, games, or social media, you can use a program like Apple’s Screen Time to block content and set time limits. 11. Set Up a Snack Station Right after breakfast, set up a table with cups, pitchers of water, and trays of healthy snacks. This will save you from having to constantly run to the kitchen to grab snacks or fill cups for your kids. Also, feeding your kids healthy snacks will help provide them with an increase in energy and focus. 12. Enlist Help If you feel like you’re in over your head, or just need a break to run some errands, consider handing over the reins to a trusted friend or family member. This can be particularly advantageous if your brother-in-law is excellent at math or your mother can teach your kids culinary skills. Don’t feel embarrassed to reach out for help; sharing the load might end up being a win for everyone involved. Following these twelve tips can help you balance your work responsibilities while making sure your kids get the most out of their at-home schooling. If you have a helpful tip that wasn’t mentioned above, please share it in the comment section below. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health, immunity, and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.
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