Parental Guidance Required
A good social support system in the family and an optimistic world-view are our two strongest weapons against suicide. We can develop these through the following habits:
Offer Support. Only in being present in your children’s lives can you show that you are truly available for them. Make it known to them that you are there when they need you. For working parents, setting aside a reasonable and predictable time when you can be present for your children may be advisable.
Be attuned. Attune yourself to the reactions and moods of your children. This will enable you to give emotional support when they most need it.
Enhance self-esteem. Develop a self-esteem by praising your children and letting them know that you appreciate them. Show them that they have resources to solve simple problems, so that they are encouraged to try out more difficult ones.
Think positive. Look at things fro the bright side at all times. Instead of seeing the glass to be half-empty, think of it as being as half-full. Model this way of thinking with your kids.
Search for the silver lining. Constantly look for the silver lining to every dark cloud that comes your way. It could be a lesson learned or the presence of a good friend. Anything that makes the burden lighter is always good.
Hope, faith, and transcendence. Nurture hope and transcendence in your child. Even the most terrible of tragedies can offer some glimmer of something better in the near future. This is where faith in something beyond us can be very helpful.
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