Communication between parents and children is regular, but there are significant differences in the topics discussed. Young people often share different aspects of their lives, while parents focus mainly on school and social issues. The lack of comfort and openness in sharing feelings is a challenge, which can lead to dissatisfaction and highlights the need for greater attention to the emotional needs of children, show the results of a survey by RCS “Spektar” conducted in Kriva Palanka.
The analysis shows that despite the positive basis for communication between parents and young people, there are significant challenges that require attention, as they directly affect the mental health of children. It is worrying that about 60% of parents believe that the mental health of their children is at increased risk. Both parents and young people perceive the need for training and activities that will contribute to improving communication and a deeper understanding of emotions.
“Communication between parents and young people is the basis of healthy family relationships, but as in all other areas, it is faced with challenges. According to the responses, it is noticeable that the most difficult conversations are related to emotional sharing. From this aspect, training is needed for parents, but also for young people, constructive conflict resolution, building trust, supporting individuality and involving children in decision-making, which are very important in parent-child communication,” says the author of the analysis Nadica Skeparoska Petkovska, a master’s degree in clinical psychology and a certified psychotherapist from the European Association for Transactional Analysis.
One of the key areas that require attention is sharing feelings. The survey data reveals that 43% of young people feel neutral, and 17% uncomfortable when talking about their emotions. Similarly, 26% of parents also feel uncomfortable when they have to talk about the emotional states of their children. This inappropriate sharing of feelings can have significant consequences for the mental health of young people, who are in a phase of intense emotional changes and challenges.
However, the analysis shows that when mistakes or conflicts occur, parents usually react constructively, that is, 33% of them try to listen to their children’s perspectives and offer support. Young people, on the other hand, feel comfortable when discussing personal challenges (41%). This emphasizes the importance of constructive communication, but also the need for additional emotional support.
“Trust is also a basic element in mutual relationships. Half of young people feel trust in their parents who allow them to take responsibility for their actions, and 60% talk openly and calmly with them. The same percentage of surveyed parents responded that they allow their children to make decisions appropriate to their age. However, about 40% of young people find it difficult to express their inner feelings, which emphasizes the need for openness and improved emotional communication,” says Skeparoska Petkovska.
Bullying among young people is also highlighted as a serious problem, affecting their psychological and emotional well-being and leading to feelings of isolation, stress and depression among victims. Preventing bullying requires commitment from all members of the community, including parents, schools and young people themselves, to create a safe and supportive environment. “In my opinion, bullying is one of the most important topics that we need to discuss and a topic that is most important for young people. In addition to cyberbullying, peer violence is very present. Moreover, young people often do not have the courage to openly talk about their experiences on this topic, which is why support from everyone is needed – from family, friends, schools, professional services, to deal with the problems they encounter,” says Stefani Davidovska, psychologist at the “Gjorce Petrov” Secondary School in Kriva Palanka.
The most sensitive and discriminated against in terms of mental health are young people with disabilities, for whom there are not enough regulations and programs that would seriously address the specific needs of their mental development. The president of CPLP “Poraka” from Kriva Palanka, Mihajlo Kolevski, believes that mental disabilities must also be discussed.
“It is good that we have inclusive education and that educational assistants for people with disabilities are included. But they are with the children until 11-12 o’clock. For two working parents, this is a big problem. Therefore, we are making efforts to change the legal regulations, with which we want to include people with autism in day centers for people with disabilities as a kind of extended stay. Neither they nor their parents would be left to their own devices and would not feel discriminated against,” says Kolevski.
The analysis was presented at a public debate “The Power of Communication for Better Mental Health”, at Europe House Kriva Palanka, on November 21 this year, where constructive discussions were opened and recommendations were given for proactive inter-sectoral action on youth development.
The activities are part of the project “Alliances for Active Citizenry”, implemented by the NGO Info-center, with financial support from the European Union.
Author: Suzana Nikolić
The article has been prepared with the support of the European Union within the framework of the project “Alliances for Active Citizenry”. The content is the sole responsibility of the author and can in no way be considered to reflect the views of the European Union.
