There’s been a notable increase in anxiety among children over the past few years, making them the most anxious generation of all time. While some of the factors are beyond our control, there are things we can do to address the growing mental health crisis among young people.

In my book, 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do, I explain how we can give kids the skills and tools they need to thrive. But before parents can do that, it’s important to understand the underlying reasons why kids are more anxious than ever.

1. They're pressured to excel at everything.

Today's educational environment is often characterized by a strong emphasis on academic success and athletic achievement. Children are pushed to excel, sometimes from a very young age, creating a competitive atmosphere that can lead to stress and anxiety. The pressure to perform well can overshadow the joy of learning and foster an environment where mistakes are feared, rather than seen as opportunities for growth.

2. Adults are stressed and kids are picking up on that.

The U.S. Surgeon General recently shared a report outlining the mental health crisis among parents. Forty-eight percent of parents say that most days, their stress is completely overwhelming and many parents lack coping skills or social support. Stressed-out parents may be less affectionate and less responsive to their kids, which can lead to an increased risk of behavior problems, lower self-esteem, and social isolation for kids.........

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