1 00:00:02,700 --> 00:00:07,980 Speaker 1: Life Audio. What if the most important thing you prepare 2 00:00:08,020 --> 00:00:11,760 Speaker 1: your child for this school year isn't academic success, but 3 00:00:11,820 --> 00:00:17,750 Speaker 1: emotional resilience? While parents are busy buying school supplies, organizing schedules, 4 00:00:17,829 --> 00:00:20,650 Speaker 1: and preparing for the first day of class, many children 5 00:00:21,190 --> 00:00:27,430 Speaker 1: are quietly carrying anxiety, stress, loneliness, pressure, and fear into 6 00:00:27,470 --> 00:00:31,490 Speaker 1: the new school year. And if we're honest, many parents 7 00:00:31,550 --> 00:00:34,750 Speaker 1: are carrying those same burdens. The truth is that a 8 00:00:34,810 --> 00:00:41,309 Speaker 1: child's mental health affects everything from learning and memory to relationships, confidence, 9 00:00:41,390 --> 00:00:45,480 Speaker 1: and spiritual well-being. So before the homework starts piling up 10 00:00:45,620 --> 00:00:48,919 Speaker 1: and the calendar fills to overflowing, let's talk about how 11 00:00:48,979 --> 00:00:52,019 Speaker 1: to create a home where every member of the family 12 00:00:52,200 --> 00:00:57,400 Speaker 1: can thrive emotionally, mentally, and spiritually throughout the school year. 13 00:00:58,020 --> 00:01:01,300 Speaker 1: Welcome back to your hope-filled perspective, where it's always our 14 00:01:01,360 --> 00:01:05,440 Speaker 1: goal to restore hope, renew minds, and empower listeners to 15 00:01:05,580 --> 00:01:09,470 Speaker 1: live in your God-given identity. I'm your host, Dr. Michelle Bankson, 16 00:01:09,670 --> 00:01:15,770 Speaker 1: a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, author, speaker, and your companion in 17 00:01:15,810 --> 00:01:20,910 Speaker 1: the journey of faith, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. As always, 18 00:01:21,110 --> 00:01:23,930 Speaker 1: I want you to know that regardless of what you're 19 00:01:23,950 --> 00:01:29,290 Speaker 1: facing today, there is hope. Hope for healing, hope for restoration, 20 00:01:29,590 --> 00:01:33,990 Speaker 1: hope for peace, and hope because God is still working, 21 00:01:34,350 --> 00:01:39,420 Speaker 1: even in the situations that often seem overwhelming. Today, we're 22 00:01:39,459 --> 00:01:43,140 Speaker 1: talking about something that affects nearly every family this time 23 00:01:43,180 --> 00:01:47,330 Speaker 1: of year. How to strengthen your family's mental health this 24 00:01:47,390 --> 00:01:51,830 Speaker 1: school year. Whether your children are heading to preschool, elementary school, 25 00:01:51,950 --> 00:01:55,350 Speaker 1: middle school, high school, or college, or perhaps you're a 26 00:01:55,370 --> 00:02:00,309 Speaker 1: grandparent supporting your grandchildren through another school year, this conversation 27 00:02:00,390 --> 00:02:03,570 Speaker 1: is for you. The beginning of a school year often 28 00:02:03,630 --> 00:02:08,630 Speaker 1: comes with a lot of mixed emotions. There can be excitement, anticipation, 29 00:02:08,750 --> 00:02:15,399 Speaker 1: and fresh opportunities, but there can also be anxiety, stress, pressure, overwhelm, 30 00:02:15,960 --> 00:02:21,169 Speaker 1: and uncertainty. Many parents focus on school supplies, schedule, transportation, 31 00:02:21,490 --> 00:02:25,170 Speaker 1: and all the extracurricular activities. And friends, those things matter. 32 00:02:25,450 --> 00:02:29,730 Speaker 1: But what often gets overlooked is preparing our children and 33 00:02:29,810 --> 00:02:35,190 Speaker 1: ourselves emotionally, mentally, and spiritually for the year ahead. Today, 34 00:02:35,230 --> 00:02:40,340 Speaker 1: I want to share practical strategies, neuroscience insights, biblical encouragement, 35 00:02:40,580 --> 00:02:44,280 Speaker 1: and simple habits that can help you strengthen your family's 36 00:02:44,360 --> 00:02:47,529 Speaker 1: mental health throughout the school year. We'll dive into this 37 00:02:47,570 --> 00:02:50,970 Speaker 1: conversation right after a brief word from our sponsor. So 38 00:02:51,169 --> 00:02:55,010 Speaker 1: grab your coffee, settle in, and let's talk about creating 39 00:02:55,090 --> 00:03:02,169 Speaker 1: a mentally healthy home this school year. Welcome back. Today, 40 00:03:02,270 --> 00:03:06,470 Speaker 1: we're talking about how to strengthen your family's mental health 41 00:03:06,690 --> 00:03:09,870 Speaker 1: this school year. Let's start off the conversation by talking 42 00:03:09,889 --> 00:03:13,730 Speaker 1: about why mental health matters during the school year. So 43 00:03:13,770 --> 00:03:17,750 Speaker 1: let's begin by acknowledging something really important. The school year 44 00:03:17,810 --> 00:03:22,470 Speaker 1: places unique demands on every member of the family. Children 45 00:03:22,510 --> 00:03:29,310 Speaker 1: base academic expectations, social challenges, peer pressure, extracurricular demands, and 46 00:03:29,370 --> 00:03:35,530 Speaker 1: sometimes the negatives of bullying or feelings of inadequacy or fear. Parents, 47 00:03:35,610 --> 00:03:40,350 Speaker 1: on the other hand, face busy schedules, homework battles, transportation, logistics, 48 00:03:40,470 --> 00:03:45,110 Speaker 1: financial pressures. and the emotional burden of helping their children 49 00:03:45,210 --> 00:03:50,570 Speaker 1: navigate life's challenges. For sure, everyone's schedule is packed. And 50 00:03:50,610 --> 00:03:55,510 Speaker 1: according to research, anxiety among children and adolescents has risen 51 00:03:55,630 --> 00:04:00,400 Speaker 1: significantly over this last decade. What many people don't realize 52 00:04:00,680 --> 00:04:05,000 Speaker 1: is that stress affects more than emotions. Stress impacts attention. 53 00:04:05,380 --> 00:04:10,280 Speaker 1: It affects memory. It definitely influences learning. Stress changes sleep. 54 00:04:10,640 --> 00:04:14,560 Speaker 1: It alters relationships and it can even affect physical health. 55 00:04:14,860 --> 00:04:18,810 Speaker 1: As a neuropsychologist, I often explain that the brain functions 56 00:04:18,940 --> 00:04:22,410 Speaker 1: best when it feels safe. When children live in a 57 00:04:22,450 --> 00:04:27,190 Speaker 1: constant state of stress, their brains devote more resources to 58 00:04:27,290 --> 00:04:32,610 Speaker 1: survival and fewer resources to learning, problem solving, and emotional regulation. 59 00:04:33,320 --> 00:04:38,070 Speaker 1: That's why strengthening mental health isn't an optional add-on. It's 60 00:04:38,110 --> 00:04:44,570 Speaker 1: foundational to helping children thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. 61 00:04:44,830 --> 00:04:49,050 Speaker 1: So let's turn the conversation to discuss practical tips for 62 00:04:49,370 --> 00:04:52,210 Speaker 1: how to strengthen your family's mental health this school year. 63 00:04:52,510 --> 00:04:56,640 Speaker 1: Tip number one, as a parent, start with your own 64 00:04:56,720 --> 00:04:59,900 Speaker 1: mental health. One of the most important things that parents 65 00:04:59,980 --> 00:05:02,300 Speaker 1: can do for their children is is to care for 66 00:05:02,339 --> 00:05:05,750 Speaker 1: their own mental health. I know that may sound surprising. 67 00:05:06,170 --> 00:05:10,869 Speaker 1: Many parents believe being a good parent means focusing exclusively 68 00:05:11,070 --> 00:05:15,669 Speaker 1: on their children, but children often absorb the emotional atmosphere 69 00:05:15,970 --> 00:05:19,290 Speaker 1: of the home. What that means is that if parents 70 00:05:19,350 --> 00:05:25,460 Speaker 1: are chronically overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, exhausted, or emotionally depleted, children 71 00:05:25,480 --> 00:05:29,300 Speaker 1: tend to feel it. And not only do they feel it, 72 00:05:29,520 --> 00:05:35,290 Speaker 1: they often feel Replicate it. Neuroscience teaches us about emotional contagion. 73 00:05:35,930 --> 00:05:41,690 Speaker 1: Our nervous system influences one another. And specifically, children often 74 00:05:41,830 --> 00:05:45,750 Speaker 1: borrow emotional cues from the adults around them. When parents 75 00:05:45,810 --> 00:05:50,450 Speaker 1: remain calm during stressful situations, children learn calmness. When parents 76 00:05:50,529 --> 00:05:55,950 Speaker 1: model healthy coping skills, children learn resilience. When parents prioritize 77 00:05:56,060 --> 00:06:00,640 Speaker 1: emotional health, children learn that mental health matters. So before 78 00:06:00,720 --> 00:06:06,060 Speaker 1: focusing exclusively on your child's well-being, ask yourself, how am 79 00:06:06,339 --> 00:06:10,150 Speaker 1: I doing emotionally? Am I getting adequate rest? Am I 80 00:06:10,230 --> 00:06:14,550 Speaker 1: managing stress in healthy ways? Am I still spending time 81 00:06:14,589 --> 00:06:18,650 Speaker 1: with God? Am I carrying burdens I was never meant 82 00:06:18,690 --> 00:06:22,350 Speaker 1: to carry alone? Parents often give. from an empty cup. 83 00:06:22,550 --> 00:06:26,090 Speaker 1: But God never intended us to live that way. Jesus 84 00:06:26,170 --> 00:06:29,770 Speaker 1: himself regularly withdrew to spend time with the Father. So 85 00:06:29,810 --> 00:06:32,940 Speaker 1: if the Son of God needed time for restoration, surely 86 00:06:32,980 --> 00:06:38,640 Speaker 1: we do too. Tip number two, create predictable rhythms. One 87 00:06:38,660 --> 00:06:41,039 Speaker 1: of the greatest gifts that you can give your family 88 00:06:41,120 --> 00:06:48,210 Speaker 1: is predictability. Our brains love predictability because predictability is creates safety. 89 00:06:48,550 --> 00:06:52,690 Speaker 1: When life feels chaotic, the brain remains on high alert. 90 00:06:53,089 --> 00:06:56,420 Speaker 1: When life feels structured, the brain can relax a bit. 91 00:06:56,750 --> 00:07:00,120 Speaker 1: That doesn't mean every moment needs to be scheduled, but 92 00:07:00,300 --> 00:07:07,280 Speaker 1: healthy routines help children know what to expect. Consider establishing 93 00:07:07,540 --> 00:07:15,000 Speaker 1: consistent wake-up times, consistent bedtimes, family meals, homework routine, technology boundaries. 94 00:07:15,640 --> 00:07:22,710 Speaker 1: family devotional times. Predictable rhythms reduce anxiety because children know 95 00:07:23,050 --> 00:07:27,730 Speaker 1: what comes next. And here's something fascinating. Children often complain 96 00:07:27,770 --> 00:07:32,890 Speaker 1: about rules and routines, but neurologically, they actually benefit from them. 97 00:07:33,270 --> 00:07:39,060 Speaker 1: Structure provides emotional security. It's one way we communicate to 98 00:07:39,120 --> 00:07:42,600 Speaker 1: our children, you're safe, we've got this, and you don't 99 00:07:42,640 --> 00:07:48,600 Speaker 1: have to carry adult responsibilities. Tip number three, protect sleep 100 00:07:48,920 --> 00:07:54,790 Speaker 1: at all costs. If I could give families one neuroscience-based recommendation, 101 00:07:55,050 --> 00:07:58,930 Speaker 1: it would be this. Protect sleep. Sleep is not a luxury. 102 00:07:59,290 --> 00:08:04,190 Speaker 1: Sleep is a necessity. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories. 103 00:08:04,210 --> 00:08:10,960 Speaker 1: It processes emotions. It restores energy. It detoxifies the unhealthy 104 00:08:11,000 --> 00:08:16,020 Speaker 1: things in our system. It strengthens attention and learning. But 105 00:08:16,880 --> 00:08:23,260 Speaker 1: lack of sleep can increase anxiety, depression, irritability, impulsivity, and 106 00:08:23,340 --> 00:08:28,800 Speaker 1: emotional reactivity. Many children begin the school year already sleep deprived. 107 00:08:28,980 --> 00:08:32,179 Speaker 1: Parents get lax with bedtimes and wake up times. We 108 00:08:32,200 --> 00:08:35,020 Speaker 1: let them stay up late because the sun is out longer. 109 00:08:35,360 --> 00:08:40,020 Speaker 1: But the problem is our brains and our children's brains 110 00:08:40,260 --> 00:08:45,870 Speaker 1: need that regular sleep then. Enter in extracurricular activities, homework, 111 00:08:46,150 --> 00:08:50,330 Speaker 1: social media, and busy schedules. It just makes everything worse. 112 00:08:50,670 --> 00:08:54,209 Speaker 1: As parents, we need to treat sleep as a priority 113 00:08:54,490 --> 00:08:58,840 Speaker 1: rather than an afterthought. It might mean we don't go 114 00:08:58,890 --> 00:09:02,500 Speaker 1: to those extracurricular activities. We don't do extra things during 115 00:09:02,580 --> 00:09:06,079 Speaker 1: the school year, during the week. As parents, we need 116 00:09:06,120 --> 00:09:11,120 Speaker 1: to treat sleep as a priority. So consider establishing a 117 00:09:11,260 --> 00:09:16,830 Speaker 1: calming bedtime routine. Reduce screen exposure before bed. Encourage consistent 118 00:09:16,870 --> 00:09:21,929 Speaker 1: sleep schedules. And remember, parents, you need sleep too. Sometimes 119 00:09:22,290 --> 00:09:25,630 Speaker 1: the healthiest thing you can do for your family is 120 00:09:25,679 --> 00:09:29,699 Speaker 1: to go to bed earlier. Tip number four, teach children 121 00:09:29,760 --> 00:09:33,660 Speaker 1: to talk about emotions. Many children struggle not because they 122 00:09:33,900 --> 00:09:36,400 Speaker 1: have emotions, but because they don't know what to do 123 00:09:36,440 --> 00:09:39,540 Speaker 1: with them. One of the most valuable skills we can 124 00:09:39,559 --> 00:09:43,980 Speaker 1: teach children is emotional awareness. Help them identify what they're feeling. 125 00:09:45,160 --> 00:09:49,650 Speaker 1: Instead of saying, I'm fine, teach them to recognize I'm nervous, 126 00:09:49,670 --> 00:09:57,130 Speaker 1: I'm disappointed, I'm embarrassed, I'm frustrated, I'm lonely, or I'm overwhelmed. 127 00:09:57,630 --> 00:10:04,070 Speaker 1: Research consistently shows that naming emotions helps reduce emotional intensity. 128 00:10:04,370 --> 00:10:07,229 Speaker 1: And when children can identify their feelings, they become better 129 00:10:07,309 --> 00:10:12,390 Speaker 1: equipped to manage them. So create opportunities for conversation. Ask 130 00:10:12,450 --> 00:10:14,770 Speaker 1: questions like, what was the best part of your day? 131 00:10:14,790 --> 00:10:18,770 Speaker 1: What was the hardest part? What made you smile today? 132 00:10:19,550 --> 00:10:22,890 Speaker 1: What felt stressful and what do you need right now? 133 00:10:23,240 --> 00:10:27,339 Speaker 1: Sometimes children don't need solutions. Sometimes they simply need a 134 00:10:27,380 --> 00:10:32,449 Speaker 1: safe place to process. Tip number five, limit the comparison trap. 135 00:10:32,620 --> 00:10:35,830 Speaker 1: One of the greatest threats to mental health today is comparison. 136 00:10:36,309 --> 00:10:43,570 Speaker 1: Children compare grades, athletic performance, friendships, appearance, popularity, achievements. And unfortunately, 137 00:10:43,750 --> 00:10:48,810 Speaker 1: social media amplifies comparison like never before. Comparison often leads 138 00:10:49,110 --> 00:10:54,970 Speaker 1: to anxiety, insecurity, jealousy, discouragement, and self-doubt. As parents, we 139 00:10:55,030 --> 00:10:59,430 Speaker 1: must consistently remind our children that their core value comes 140 00:10:59,530 --> 00:11:03,530 Speaker 1: from who they are and not what they achieve. God 141 00:11:03,570 --> 00:11:07,050 Speaker 1: never intended your child to become someone else's child. He 142 00:11:07,130 --> 00:11:12,250 Speaker 1: created them uniquely, purposefully, intentionally. And when we help children 143 00:11:12,309 --> 00:11:16,959 Speaker 1: focus on growth rather than comparison, we nurture healthier self-esteem. 144 00:11:17,820 --> 00:11:21,220 Speaker 1: So parents, remind them often, you don't have to be 145 00:11:21,580 --> 00:11:25,030 Speaker 1: the best. You simply need to be faithful with what 146 00:11:25,070 --> 00:11:30,100 Speaker 1: God has entrusted to you. Tip number six. Watch for 147 00:11:30,160 --> 00:11:34,020 Speaker 1: warning signs. As parents, we need to remain attentive to 148 00:11:34,080 --> 00:11:38,000 Speaker 1: changes in behavior. Mental health struggles often reveal themselves through 149 00:11:38,020 --> 00:11:42,240 Speaker 1: behavior before children have words to explain what they're experiencing. 150 00:11:42,740 --> 00:11:47,490 Speaker 1: So watch for these things. Changes in sleep, changes in appetite, 151 00:11:47,670 --> 00:11:52,390 Speaker 1: withdrawal from friends, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, 152 00:11:52,910 --> 00:11:59,140 Speaker 1: frequent headaches or stomach aches, declining grades, excessive worry, irritability, 153 00:11:59,380 --> 00:12:05,000 Speaker 1: persistent sadness, perfectionism, or even avoidance behaviors. One difficult day 154 00:12:05,040 --> 00:12:09,680 Speaker 1: doesn't necessarily indicate a problem, but persistent changes deserve and 155 00:12:09,720 --> 00:12:15,330 Speaker 1: require attention. Trust your instincts. God often gives parents discernment 156 00:12:15,610 --> 00:12:19,370 Speaker 1: for a reason. And remember, seeking support is not a 157 00:12:19,390 --> 00:12:23,140 Speaker 1: sign of failure. It's a sign of wisdom. Friends, we'll 158 00:12:23,179 --> 00:12:26,840 Speaker 1: continue our discussion regarding practical tips for how to strengthen 159 00:12:26,900 --> 00:12:30,679 Speaker 1: your family's mental health this school year, right after this 160 00:12:30,740 --> 00:12:37,300 Speaker 1: brief word from our sponsor. Welcome back. Before the break, 161 00:12:37,340 --> 00:12:40,760 Speaker 1: we were talking about practical tips for how to strengthen 162 00:12:40,780 --> 00:12:43,810 Speaker 1: your family's mental health this school year. So let's continue. 163 00:12:44,150 --> 00:12:49,170 Speaker 1: Number seven, build resilience, not perfection. Many parents want to 164 00:12:49,210 --> 00:12:53,250 Speaker 1: protect their children from every hardship, and I understand that instinct, 165 00:12:53,550 --> 00:12:58,410 Speaker 1: but resilience develops when children learn they can survive challenges. 166 00:12:58,670 --> 00:13:01,600 Speaker 1: The goal isn't a stress-free life. Jesus told us we 167 00:13:01,620 --> 00:13:04,440 Speaker 1: wouldn't have one, but the goal is learning how to 168 00:13:04,540 --> 00:13:09,239 Speaker 1: navigate stress in healthy ways. Children build resilience when they 169 00:13:09,780 --> 00:13:15,650 Speaker 1: solve problems, learn from mistakes, experience disappointment, recover from setbacks, 170 00:13:16,270 --> 00:13:21,280 Speaker 1: develop coping skills, and face challenges with support. If we 171 00:13:21,350 --> 00:13:26,990 Speaker 1: remove every obstacle, we unintentionally communicate that we think they 172 00:13:27,050 --> 00:13:31,170 Speaker 1: can't handle difficulty. So instead, we can say things like, 173 00:13:31,730 --> 00:13:34,950 Speaker 1: this is hard, or I believe you can get through it, 174 00:13:35,970 --> 00:13:38,910 Speaker 1: or I'm here to support you. What do you need? 175 00:13:39,330 --> 00:13:45,460 Speaker 1: Those messages strengthen confidence and resilience. Tip number eight, Cultivate 176 00:13:45,700 --> 00:13:49,179 Speaker 1: family connection. One of the strongest protective factors for mental 177 00:13:49,200 --> 00:13:55,450 Speaker 1: health is connection to others. Children thrive when they feel known, loved, valued, 178 00:13:55,710 --> 00:14:00,250 Speaker 1: and connected. They don't require extravagant vacations. It often happens 179 00:14:00,320 --> 00:14:05,740 Speaker 1: through ordinary moments like family dinners, bedtime conversations, car rides, 180 00:14:05,940 --> 00:14:12,860 Speaker 1: board games, walks together, shared laughter, consistently shows that strong 181 00:14:12,920 --> 00:14:18,320 Speaker 1: family relationships reduce the risk of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, 182 00:14:18,620 --> 00:14:22,950 Speaker 1: or other mental health concerns. Connection doesn't require perfection. It 183 00:14:22,990 --> 00:14:31,730 Speaker 1: requires presence. And friends, children spell love. T-I-M-E. Tip number nine, 184 00:14:32,190 --> 00:14:38,270 Speaker 1: create healthy technology boundaries. Technology is neither entirely good nor 185 00:14:38,350 --> 00:14:43,230 Speaker 1: entirely bad, but without boundaries, it can negatively impact mental health. 186 00:14:43,730 --> 00:14:47,790 Speaker 1: Excess screen use has been associated with increased anxiety, decreased 187 00:14:47,840 --> 00:14:53,300 Speaker 1: sleep quality, reduced attention, and social difficulties. So consider creating 188 00:14:53,640 --> 00:15:00,860 Speaker 1: technology-free zones, technology-free meals. technology-free bedrooms, technology-free family time. The 189 00:15:00,900 --> 00:15:05,260 Speaker 1: goal isn't about punishment. The goal is about protecting what 190 00:15:05,440 --> 00:15:10,120 Speaker 1: matters most. Healthy relationships will always nourish mental health more 191 00:15:10,140 --> 00:15:14,660 Speaker 1: than endless scrolling. Tip number 10, make faith part of 192 00:15:14,820 --> 00:15:17,440 Speaker 1: everyday life. One of the greatest gifts we can give 193 00:15:17,480 --> 00:15:20,160 Speaker 1: our children is teaching them where to turn when life 194 00:15:20,180 --> 00:15:27,120 Speaker 1: feels overwhelming. The world teaches self-reliance. But scripture teaches God reliance. 195 00:15:27,500 --> 00:15:31,830 Speaker 1: When children experience anxiety, help them pray. When they face disappointment, 196 00:15:32,020 --> 00:15:36,250 Speaker 1: help them seek God's perspective. When they're afraid, remind them 197 00:15:36,280 --> 00:15:40,570 Speaker 1: of God's promises. Faith is not merely something we practice 198 00:15:40,630 --> 00:15:43,830 Speaker 1: on Sundays. It's a source of strength for every day. 199 00:15:44,270 --> 00:15:47,410 Speaker 1: Children need to see faith lived out in real time. 200 00:15:47,690 --> 00:15:50,390 Speaker 1: They need to see us pray when we're worried. Trust 201 00:15:50,470 --> 00:15:54,840 Speaker 1: God when we're uncertain. Seek wisdom when we're confused. depend 202 00:15:54,900 --> 00:15:59,980 Speaker 1: on him when we're overwhelmed. Faith becomes contagious when it's authentic. 203 00:16:00,700 --> 00:16:05,890 Speaker 1: Tip number 11, teach children healthy coping skills. Every child 204 00:16:05,930 --> 00:16:09,630 Speaker 1: needs a toolbox for managing stress. And that toolbox may 205 00:16:09,690 --> 00:16:16,850 Speaker 1: include prayer, scripture meditation, physical activity, journaling, creative expression. Maybe 206 00:16:16,890 --> 00:16:21,320 Speaker 1: it includes deep breathing, worship music, talking with trusted adults, 207 00:16:21,560 --> 00:16:27,720 Speaker 1: time outdoors, gratitude practices. These habits help regulate emotions and 208 00:16:27,800 --> 00:16:33,000 Speaker 1: strengthen resilience. The earlier children learn healthy coping skills, the 209 00:16:33,080 --> 00:16:38,200 Speaker 1: more equipped they'll be to navigate future challenges. Tip number 12, 210 00:16:38,200 --> 00:16:44,260 Speaker 1: give grace during transitions. Transitions are stressful on everyone, even 211 00:16:44,380 --> 00:16:49,090 Speaker 1: positive transitions. A new grade, new teachers, new friendships, new schedules, 212 00:16:49,350 --> 00:16:53,720 Speaker 1: new expectations. Children often need time to adjust and parents 213 00:16:53,780 --> 00:16:57,460 Speaker 1: do too. If your family feels a little off during 214 00:16:57,480 --> 00:16:59,960 Speaker 1: the first several weeks of school, that doesn't mean you're 215 00:16:59,980 --> 00:17:04,240 Speaker 1: doing anything wrong. It means you're adjusting. So give yourself grace. 216 00:17:04,560 --> 00:17:09,840 Speaker 1: Give your children grace. Allow room for imperfection. Remember, great 217 00:17:10,060 --> 00:17:16,619 Speaker 1: growth takes time. Adjustment takes time. Healing takes time. And 218 00:17:16,740 --> 00:17:21,790 Speaker 1: learning takes time. But God works in the process. Friends, 219 00:17:21,850 --> 00:17:24,850 Speaker 1: before we close, I want to speak directly to the 220 00:17:24,869 --> 00:17:29,430 Speaker 1: parent who feels overwhelmed. Maybe you're worried about your child's anxiety. 221 00:17:29,970 --> 00:17:34,290 Speaker 1: Maybe you're navigating learning differences. Maybe your child has struggled 222 00:17:34,350 --> 00:17:39,689 Speaker 1: emotionally before. Maybe you're carrying fears about the year ahead. Friend, 223 00:17:40,070 --> 00:17:43,550 Speaker 1: you don't have to carry these burdens alone. God loves 224 00:17:43,590 --> 00:17:48,100 Speaker 1: your children even more than you do. He sees every challenge, 225 00:17:48,460 --> 00:17:53,659 Speaker 1: every tear, every fear, and every struggle. And he is 226 00:17:53,740 --> 00:17:58,300 Speaker 1: present in every moment. Remember, you are not called to 227 00:17:58,340 --> 00:18:00,960 Speaker 1: be a perfect parent. You are called to be a 228 00:18:01,040 --> 00:18:04,840 Speaker 1: faithful one. A parent who loves. A parent who listens. 229 00:18:05,300 --> 00:18:09,119 Speaker 1: A parent who points their children towards Christ. A parent 230 00:18:09,270 --> 00:18:13,430 Speaker 1: who keeps showing up. That is enough. Because God's grace 231 00:18:13,530 --> 00:18:18,449 Speaker 1: fills the gaps. where our strength ends. Would you let 232 00:18:18,490 --> 00:18:21,570 Speaker 1: me pray for you? Father God, thank you for every 233 00:18:21,670 --> 00:18:27,230 Speaker 1: family member listening today. Thank you for every parent, grandparent, caregiver, teacher, 234 00:18:27,369 --> 00:18:30,469 Speaker 1: and child preparing for this upcoming school year. Lord, we 235 00:18:30,550 --> 00:18:34,590 Speaker 1: ask your protection over our children. Guard their hearts and minds. 236 00:18:35,380 --> 00:18:38,260 Speaker 1: Give them courage when they feel afraid, peace when they 237 00:18:38,300 --> 00:18:42,780 Speaker 1: feel anxious, wisdom when they face challenges. Help them remember 238 00:18:42,800 --> 00:18:47,800 Speaker 1: that their identity is found in you, not in grades, achievements, popularity, 239 00:18:48,180 --> 00:18:52,280 Speaker 1: or performance. Father, I pray that you'll strengthen these families 240 00:18:52,320 --> 00:18:58,409 Speaker 1: this year. Help parents model emotional health, resistance, resilience, and faith. 241 00:18:58,990 --> 00:19:02,369 Speaker 1: Give us discernment to recognize when our children are struggling. 242 00:19:02,810 --> 00:19:05,949 Speaker 1: Give us compassion to listen well. Give us wisdom to 243 00:19:06,020 --> 00:19:10,739 Speaker 1: respond appropriately. And remind us daily. that you are with us. 244 00:19:11,140 --> 00:19:17,010 Speaker 1: Make our homes be places of peace, grace, connection, and hope. Father, 245 00:19:17,030 --> 00:19:20,930 Speaker 1: we trust our children to your love and care. In Jesus' 246 00:19:20,990 --> 00:19:24,989 Speaker 1: name I pray. Amen. Friends, thank you for joining me 247 00:19:25,030 --> 00:19:28,810 Speaker 1: today on Your Hope-Filled Perspective. If today's episode has encouraged you, 248 00:19:28,990 --> 00:19:31,470 Speaker 1: would you take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, 249 00:19:31,750 --> 00:19:34,490 Speaker 1: and share this episode with a friend who may need it? 250 00:19:34,950 --> 00:19:37,460 Speaker 1: We all know somebody who's got kiddos starting back to 251 00:19:37,500 --> 00:19:42,320 Speaker 1: this school year. Encourage them with your hope-filled perspective. And remember, 252 00:19:42,520 --> 00:19:48,050 Speaker 1: circumstances may feel uncertain, challenges may arise, and life may 253 00:19:48,109 --> 00:19:52,320 Speaker 1: not unfold exactly as planned. but our hope is never 254 00:19:52,500 --> 00:19:56,760 Speaker 1: in our circumstances our hope is anchored in christ until 255 00:19:56,820 --> 00:20:00,619 Speaker 1: next time friends keep renewing your mind embracing god's truth 256 00:20:00,840 --> 00:20:05,290 Speaker 1: and living with a hope-filled perspective until next week it's 257 00:20:05,330 --> 00:20:08,310 Speaker 1: my prayer for you that you have a hope-filled week 258 00:20:09,250 --> 00:20:09,890 Speaker 1: bye friends. 259 00:20:11,380 --> 00:20:15,620 Speaker 2: It is now known that depression is our greatest epidemic worldwide. 260 00:20:16,340 --> 00:20:20,680 Speaker 2: It is greater than heart disease, cancer, and AIDS all 261 00:20:20,760 --> 00:20:26,209 Speaker 2: put together. Unfortunately, there is a scarcity of biblically-based resources 262 00:20:26,530 --> 00:20:30,030 Speaker 2: which identify the spiritual component that will help individuals cope 263 00:20:30,290 --> 00:20:34,010 Speaker 2: with depression, or resources for their loved ones who are 264 00:20:34,050 --> 00:20:38,240 Speaker 2: trying to support them. During Dr. Bankston's 30-year career, she 265 00:20:38,260 --> 00:20:41,530 Speaker 2: has treated thousands of individuals with depression and has also 266 00:20:41,570 --> 00:20:44,990 Speaker 2: suffered with it herself. Because of her suffering, she has 267 00:20:45,030 --> 00:20:48,490 Speaker 2: come to understand the compelling need to address the spiritual 268 00:20:48,530 --> 00:20:53,129 Speaker 2: dimension of depression, along with the physiological and emotional components. 269 00:20:53,770 --> 00:20:57,480 Speaker 2: In her award-winning book, Hope Prevails, Insights from a Doctor's 270 00:20:57,740 --> 00:21:01,700 Speaker 2: Personal Journey Through Depression, she shares with us her experiences. 271 00:21:02,100 --> 00:21:05,560 Speaker 2: She combines her decades of professional expertise and mental health 272 00:21:05,859 --> 00:21:09,470 Speaker 2: with her personal insights to help you overcome depression's grip. 273 00:21:10,090 --> 00:21:14,490 Speaker 2: Jan Silvius, author of Foolproofing Your Life and Same Life, 274 00:21:14,670 --> 00:21:18,690 Speaker 2: New Story, said this about Dr. Bankson in her award-winning book, 275 00:21:19,050 --> 00:21:22,240 Speaker 2: Hope Prevails, Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression. 276 00:21:23,180 --> 00:21:25,880 Speaker 2: It is a unique position to be both the doctor 277 00:21:26,140 --> 00:21:30,390 Speaker 2: and the depressed patient. Those dual experiences offer rare insight 278 00:21:30,490 --> 00:21:33,990 Speaker 2: into the nuances of a very difficult journey. Dr. Michelle 279 00:21:34,010 --> 00:21:37,810 Speaker 2: Bankson has written a wonderful, hope-filled book for those who 280 00:21:37,830 --> 00:21:41,520 Speaker 2: suffer from depression and for those who love them. Because 281 00:21:41,540 --> 00:21:45,000 Speaker 2: she's been in the place of the patient, her compassion abounds. 282 00:21:45,560 --> 00:21:47,479 Speaker 2: Because she has been in the place of the doctor, 283 00:21:47,780 --> 00:21:50,619 Speaker 2: her knowledge is spot on. Because she is a lover 284 00:21:50,660 --> 00:21:54,659 Speaker 2: of God, her book offers practical, spiritual hope for anyone 285 00:21:54,680 --> 00:21:57,560 Speaker 2: who is searching. I encourage you to read it. It 286 00:21:57,580 --> 00:22:01,380 Speaker 2: will make you better, no matter your situation. Hope Prevails 287 00:22:01,500 --> 00:22:05,619 Speaker 2: is available at Amazon.com and other fine online book retailers 288 00:22:05,940 --> 00:22:11,080 Speaker 2: or through her website at DrMichelleB.com. Obtain your copy today 289 00:22:11,350 --> 00:22:18,730 Speaker 2: and begin your healing from depression. Do you appreciate the biblically-based, 290 00:22:18,910 --> 00:22:23,090 Speaker 2: hope-filled perspective offered each week by Dr. Bankson? Why don't 291 00:22:23,109 --> 00:22:25,879 Speaker 2: you join the conversation? Take a moment and leave us 292 00:22:25,890 --> 00:22:29,229 Speaker 2: a review. It's easy. Just scroll down on whatever app 293 00:22:29,250 --> 00:22:31,770 Speaker 2: you're listening on, click on review, and tell us who 294 00:22:31,790 --> 00:22:34,050 Speaker 2: you are, what you love about the program, and let 295 00:22:34,090 --> 00:22:36,290 Speaker 2: us get to know you a little bit too. And 296 00:22:36,310 --> 00:22:38,930 Speaker 2: while you're at it, why not hit subscribe so you'll 297 00:22:38,950 --> 00:22:41,310 Speaker 2: be the first to know each time a new episode 298 00:22:41,330 --> 00:22:41,790 Speaker 2: is aired. 299 00:22:44,070 --> 00:22:46,449 Speaker 1: I'd like to take just a second to thank the 300 00:22:46,490 --> 00:22:49,409 Speaker 1: team at Life Audio for their partnership with us on 301 00:22:49,470 --> 00:22:53,290 Speaker 1: this podcast. If you go to lifeaudio.com, you'll find dozens 302 00:22:53,350 --> 00:22:56,930 Speaker 1: of other faith-centered podcasts in their network. They've got shows 303 00:22:56,990 --> 00:22:59,940 Speaker 1: about prayer, Bible study, parenting, and more.