Anna Canzano: How to help kids with their mental health – OregonLive

How have families been getting help with children facing mental and emotional challenges? And what can you do to help the kids in your life whove struggled through this pandemic? That Expert Show host Anna Canzano spoke with Lana Shotwell of Trillium Family Services about how the organization pivoted to tele-health to serve kids and families, and the innovations it discovered along the way. Shotwell is Vice President of Community Programs for Trillium Family Services Portland Metro region and a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Shotwell advises that parents might want to be a little more lenient when it comes to the academic requirements this year. Its important that kids do their schoolwork, but homework shouldnt be more important than making sure their mental health is okay, she said.

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What are the signs to look for that will tell you it might be time to take your child to talk with someone at Trillium Family Services? If your child makes any comments about harming themselves, go get help right away. If kids are refusing to go back to school, thats another sign something might be going on, said Shotwell.

She explained that every kid will have their tantrum and get upset, but notice how long that lasts. If it is prolonged, that might be another clue your child should talk to a professional.

And what about kids who are reluctant to open up to parents? She said one strategy to try is going for a drive with them. Since youre in a car, they dont have to look at you so sometimes that helps them say things that might be difficult for them. Also, spend time with your kids and really be present. Spending quality time together every day (even if you have a teenager who might hate you) will really help with their mental health.

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Shotwell has worked in the children and adolescents mental health field for more than twenty years and has overseen Trilliums school based outpatient programs for the past ten years. Lanas passion is promoting the resiliency and strength inherit in Oregons families and pursuing Trillium Family Services mission of Building Brighter Futures with Children and Families.

That Expert Show is a weekly interview show hosted by Canzano in partnership with The Oregonian/OregonLive. It utilizes input from the audience and is streamed live every Monday at 7 p.m. Pacific Time via Facebook, Twitter and the shows website. Its also available as a podcast (Apple or Google Podcasts) and on IGTV.

Trillium Family Services sponsored this content.

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Anna Canzano: How to help kids with their mental health - OregonLive