In order to support wellness, we first need to recognize and understand the influencers in our community. Our personal circles of influence, especially with our neighbors and friends, are very powerful. Within these relationships, the influence of a parent or other trusted adult is even more impactful in a child’s life.

Parents and trusted adults have more power and influence than they think. By supporting parents and trusted adults in their unique plans or struggles with individual children and youth by providing them with useful information and resources, we’re actually helping children because those parents are now even more effective.

I have personally experienced the power of being a supportive influence. Many years ago, my mother-in-law had a heart attack and my father-in-law, despite being a strong individual, was inconsolable. I simply didn’t know what to do because he was so emotionally distraught. When I called my father to ask for advice, he said that I needed to support my husband so he could support his father.

From that moment on, I’ve tried to look at everything in a community from the perspective of peripheral support. Just like I was able to support my husband who was able to support the real individual in need, parents and trusted adults are able to support and give hope to children and youth who are struggling with anxiety and depression. In the end, the peripheral support of parents and trusted adults can make changes to our community and in children and youth’s lives.

Where to start

Community change all begins with shifting the way we look at children and their needs. Instead of looking at what a child’s issues are, ask why they are acting a certain way. From there, ask what things could be added to the child’s social-emotional toolbox to help them in the areas of safety, connection and confidence. Then, utilize resources to get ideas and guidelines on how to meet these individual needs.

By knowing the child’s needs first and then seeking intervention (if needed), you’ll be able to direct help by pinpointing needs and building resilience.

Where we’re heading

If we share information, give people hope and increase the self-efficacy of parents, neighbors, teachers, grandparents and everyone involved in a child’s life, our community will see an increase in child and youth social-emotional wellness.

Influencers who recognize their potential impact and who seek out the information and tools to support children and youth in building resilience can change our communities.

The connection that children and youth feel as they have honest and open discussions will assist them in their learning, in building good social relationships and in becoming strong, healthy adults. And as a result, we’re all going to be healthier and we’re all going to be happier.