156 Improving youth mental health w/ Dr. Andrea Mata

We care about you as a whole person, which is why today we’re featuring Dr. Andrea Mata, a youth mental health specialist. 

She’s a great resource for you as a parent and one you can share with your clients if you think they could benefit from her expertise. 

Alarming Statistics: Did you know 18% of youth have contemplated suicide in the past year? Andrea sheds light on these shocking numbers and what they mean for our society.

Parental Blind Spots: Discover the common blind spots parents have, especially in affluent communities, and how to recognize if your child is struggling.

Parenting Styles and Their Impact:

• Pendulum Swing: Understand how overcompensating for our own upbringing can lead to overly gentle parenting, and why a balanced approach is crucial.
• Fostering Independence: Andrea emphasizes the importance of allowing children to experience failure and learn from it.

The Role of Counseling:

• Temporary Solution: Therapy should empower children to navigate challenges independently, not create a lifelong dependency.
• Parental Involvement: Sometimes, it’s the parents who need to develop skills to improve the family dynamic.

Practical Parenting Tips:

• “Give Them Just Enough”: Learn how to provide the right amount of support for your child’s developmental stage.
• Balancing Act: Tips for parents who are also entrepreneurs on how to set achievable goals and avoid burnout.

Building Your “Fortress”:

• Three Sides: Individual coping skills, relationship skills, and parenting skills. Andrea’s approach to continuous improvement in these areas.

Making Parenting Enjoyable:

• Quality Time: The value of taking your children out on individual “dates” to foster genuine connection and insight into their thoughts and feelings.

📚 Resources and Further Support:

Andrea’s Book: "The Number Two Parenting Book: Practical Tips for the Pooped-Out Parent" – 29 practical tips to help you navigate the challenges of parenting.

Bright Spot Families: Check out Andrea’s website for additional resources and upcoming virtual workshops and group coaching programs.