Topic: Health

A child psychologist says grandparents can help children feel less sad and hopeless. They provide emotional support and teach kindness, empathy, and understanding.

Many American teenagers feel sad or hopeless most of the time. Kenneth Barish, a clinical professor of psychology at Weill Cornell Medicine, thinks grandparents can be part of the solution.

Dr. Barish believes that the decline of extended family involvement has contributed to a crisis in child and adolescent mental health. He argues that children need grandparents and that they always have. In his book, The Art and Science of Parenting and Grandparenting, Dr. Barish draws on 40 years of clinical experience and research from neuroscience, child development studies, and educational programs.

According to Dr. Barish, grandparents can help counter a cultural trend that emphasizes individual achievement over community and connection. He says children need a stronger sense of purpose that goes beyond personal accomplishments.

Dr. Barish recommends volunteering as a family and having regular conversations with children about kindness, empathy, and understanding other people's feelings and needs. These conversations strengthen a child's sense of meaning and purpose.

Grandparents also provide what Dr. Barish calls 'molecules of emotional health', small moments of encouragement, attention, and understanding that help children feel less alone. He emphasizes the importance of play, shared enjoyment, and showing genuine enthusiasm for children's interests and goals.

One common parenting challenge Dr. Barish encounters is excessive criticism. He finds that well-intentioned family members often underestimate the negative effects of frequent criticism.

Why It Matters

As Indian students face their own mental health challenges, this article highlights the importance of intergenerational relationships and community support in promoting emotional well-being.

Key Facts

• Over 40% of U.S. teenagers report ongoing feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
• Kenneth Barish is a clinical professor of psychology at Weill Cornell Medicine.
• Dr. Barish recommends volunteering as a family and having regular conversations with children about kindness, empathy, and understanding other people's feelings and needs.
• Grandparents can provide 'molecules of emotional health', small moments of encouragement, attention, and understanding that help children feel less alone.
• Excessive criticism is a common parenting challenge that can have negative effects on children's mental health.

Key Terms

Emotional immune system

A child's ability to cope with emotional challenges

Implications

As Indian students face their own mental health challenges, this article highlights the importance of intergenerational relationships and community support in promoting emotional well-being.