Parenting comes with countless questions—especially when it comes to your child’s and family’s mental health. To help you navigate these challenges, we’ve partnered with six trusted local professionals to provide expert insights and practical advice. From understanding anxiety and behavior changes to finding healthy ways to manage family stress, our experts are here to guide you toward a calmer, healthier home.
In this article:
- How does screen time, social media, or gaming affect my child’s mental health?
- How do I handle tantrums, aggression, or defiance without making things worse?
- How do I know if medication is the right option for me?
- What role does family stress (finances, etc.) play in my child’s mental health?
- What types of therapy are effective for moms dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression?
- Is it normal to feel overwhelmed all the time as a parent?
How does screen time, social media, or gaming affect my child’s mental health?
Millwood Hospital & Branches: In today’s world, screens are everywhere, and for many parents, the question isn’t whether screens are good or bad, but how they can affect a child’s mental health. Research shows that “problematic social media use” (which means using it to escape reality, neglecting sleep or real-life relationships, or feeling compelled to use it) is more strongly associated with more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Sometimes kids use screen time as a way to escape negative feelings or numb emotions, especially when they’re stressed, lonely, or worried. That copying strategy may feel safe in the moment, but over time, it can get in the way of face-to-face connection with family and friends; it can impact their sleep and overall emotional wellness. Screens can get in the way of your child being able to enjoy healthier activities like playing outside, reading, or even talking through feelings.
Takeaways & Practical Tips:
- Create “screen-free’ zones or times. For example: No gaming or social media 1 hour before bed so sleep isn’t disrupted. No phones at the dinner table.
- Talk openly: ask your child how gaming or social media feels for them. Is it a fun hobby or does it become a mindless escape.
- Balance is key: encourage downtown away from devices and schedule real-life activities in place such as participating in sports or learning an instrument.
In short, it’s important to remember that screens aren’t the enemy. They can offer fun and connection. Healthy technology habits start with open conversations, clear boundaries, and empathy. You’re not fighting screens, you’re guiding your child toward having balance with them. Monitoring how your child uses screens, supporting healthy emotional coping, and making sure screen time doesn’t become an escape route is all part of the joy of parenting today’s children.
At Millwood Hospital & Branches Centers, our programs for kids and teens help them develop emotional regulation, social skills, and healthy thinking habits. These are tools that support balance in a digital world and beyond. We’re here to help when you need us. You got this!
Millwood Hospital
Branches Arlington
Branches Excel Fort Worth
Arlington, Fort Worth | 817/261-3132 | website | email
Offers inpatient + outpatient + virtual (telehealth) sessions
How do I handle tantrums, aggression, or defiance without making things worse?
Laura McLaughlin, MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S: Tantrums—we’ve all been there (double points if your child has had one in public!). When it comes to parental response, the first thing to remember is that neurobiology gives parents the power to control the emotional tone of the situation. Don’t take the bait- your child is trying to get a reaction that matches their feelings. If we respond in an escalated manner, the child will rise to match our escalation. If we can pause and engage in our own self-calming before responding, the kiddo will match our calmer state. Taking a moment to calmly collect yourself before reacting will always diffuse the situation.
The next step is to let the child know what needs to happen next. In the heat of the moment, it’s better to skip any explanation about why their behavior is inappropriate and jump straight to the positive action you want to see- even better if stated in a calm voice after you take a few deep breaths!
Statements such as, “It is time to get in the car. You can walk safely on your own, or you can have me help you safely get to the car,” let the child know what needs to happen next, and that you are available to help them if they are too overwhelmed to do it on their own. Sometimes you may have to gently help them leave the situation and go somewhere else to cool down, but as long as you are able to remain calm while responding, you’re on the right path!
HeadFirst Counseling
Dallas | 469/571-3470 | website | email
Offers in-person sessions
How do I know if medication is the right option for me?
Alisha Fluker, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, WHNP-BC, PMH-C: When deciding whether medication is the right option, the first step is to speak with a qualified mental health or medical professional who can assess your specific symptoms.
In my practice, when I meet someone who is unsure about starting medication, we begin by discussing what they’ve been experiencing, how long the symptoms have been present, and whether those symptoms are affecting their daily life. If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or interfering with work, relationships, or overall functioning, it may be appropriate to explore medication as a treatment option.
From there, we review their medical and mental health history, past medication trials, lifestyle factors, and personal preferences. I don’t view medication as the only solution—it can be used alone or alongside therapy and lifestyle changes, including stress management and nutrition.
If medication is recommended, my goal is always to use the lowest effective dose and minimize side effects. Starting medication doesn’t necessarily mean it will be needed forever; some people are able to use it temporarily or adjust their treatment over time.
At my practice, we monitor your progress closely and make adjustments together. Ultimately, the decision should be collaborative, and the plan tailored to support your specific needs and goals.
Well Dawn Integrative Health
469/770-7415| website | email
Offers virtual (telehealth) sessions
What role does family stress (finances, etc.) play in my child’s mental health?
Audrey Kteily, PhD, LPC-S: Our family is the first world we come to know ourselves in. It’s where we begin to understand the world around us and develop essential skills such as healthy communication, conflict resolution, emotional expression, and personal boundaries. Family life encourages both individual expression and teamwork, and even hardship can foster creativity and resilience.
Today’s parents often balance multiple roles, which can lead to stress that negatively affects the family. The immediate impacts of stress may include less time spent together, reduced communication, more behavioral challenges, and noncompliance. Prolonged exposure to stress can create insecurity, sadness, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Children may also experience academic difficulties, depression, or attachment issues.
Parents can begin to address these challenges through awareness and open communication. When needed, seeking professional support can strengthen the family’s overall health and well-being.
Dr Audrey PhD LPC-S
Coppell | 972/304-0700 | website | email
Offers in-person + virtual (telehealth) sessions
What types of therapy are effective for moms dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression?
Annie Carmichael, MCMHC, LPC-Associate: There are so many therapy approaches out there—it can feel overwhelming! I often say that my clients are like snowflakes: no two are the same. There’s no one-size-fits-all in therapy. It’s important to find a therapist who has experience with different theoretical orientations and modalities and who can tailor treatment to your unique situation, history, and personality.
One of my main priorities as I get to know a client is ensuring they feel comfortable sharing what’s working for them—and what isn’t. Therapy should be a collaborative process. Research shows that approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based techniques can be especially effective for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. Ultimately, though, the most effective therapy is the one that feels like the right fit for you.
Läka Therapy and Wellness
McKinney | 469/905-2507 | website
Offers in-person + virtual (telehealth) sessions
Is it normal to feel overwhelmed all the time as a parent?
Terra Therapies: Parenting is one of the most important and challenging roles in life. The demands of parenting stretch us personally, mentally and emotionally. A healthy parent attempts to focus on the best interests and well-being of their child; however, the parent’s personal
needs can become neglected.
In a flight, the attendants remind adults to first place the air mask on themselves then assist others. This is also true in life. A person must have resources to optimally perform. Are you attending to your needs as well—sleep, nutrition, mental health, social connections, etc.? We all can be overwhelmed when our basic needs are not addressed. Take note of where life needs more balance. Not only will addressing your personal needs be beneficial for both you and your family, it is healthy role modeling for your child as well.
Terra Therapies, PLLC
Fort Worth | 817/887-9505 | website | email
Offers in-person + virtual (telehealth) sessions
