Child psychologist: Grandparents play a vital role in addressing youth mental health crisis
Summary
Clinical psychologist Dr. Kenneth Barish argues that the decline of extended family involvement, particularly grandparents, has contributed to the ongoing crisis in child and adolescent mental health. In his new book, he emphasizes that children need supportive relationships, meaningful conversations, and a sense of purpose—not just pressure to achieve. Grandparents can play a vital role by listening, encouraging, and creating positive experiences that strengthen emotional resilience in children.
Source
Key quotes
· 3 pulledWe did not evolve to raise children with as little extended family and community support as most American parents have now.
Children need grandparents, and they always have.
The decline of extended family involvement has helped fuel what the U.S. Surgeon General has described as a continuing crisis in child and adolescent mental health.
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