Instilling Lasting Change in Children and Teens

As the new year has had time to settle in, and so have families and our lives, many of the problems and issues that were put on hold during the holidays seem to be creeping back in. The ebbs and flows of life take us in and out of discomfort, stress, joy, and motivation, and our children follow these rolling hills as well. 

We preach consistency, routine, longevity, and willpower for our adult clients in reaching their goals and practicing new skills and coping strategies while in therapy, but what about for kids in therapy? How do we instill consistency, routine, longevity, and willpower for children and teens when these skills are ones they may not be aware of and have little control over in their daily life?

It’s easy right? “When you work with kids, you’re working with the parents as well” (I need a dollar for every time I say this). But let’s pretend the parents can’t help, that we have to rely on the kids and teens to be the sole bearer and decision-maker of their own outcomes. As with everything in therapy, we need to build a base before we continue onward.

Confidence. Self-Esteem. Belief.

What is consistency and longevity if not the belief that continuing to work toward your goal everyday will pay off in the end; that takes great confidence in yourself. Willpower is the internal strength and determination that drives us to do hard tasks and to keep pushing: Confidence. At the core of it all: Self-Esteem. You have to truly believe that you can work on yourself, and be confident that you have what it takes to make that change.

Whether the parents are involved, present, or are looking for ways to continue their child’s or teen’s growth at home, instill in these youth that they have worth in this world and that they have the ability and strength to make changes in their world.

 Belief. Confidence. Self-Esteem.