This issue of National Family News highlights important research into the role that parents play in promoting and protecting their children’s mental health.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati found that children aged 12 to 13 with parents who never or rarely told them they were proud of them were nearly five times more likely to have suicidal thoughts, nearly seven times more likely to formulate a suicide plan, and about seven times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
This work challenged me to reflect on the enormous power and responsibility adults have in tending, encouraging and protecting children and young people of any age. We need to make more moments to stop and say ‘I’m proud of you’.
Dr Brian Babington
14 August 2018
Families Australia: Building Stronger Australian Families