Physical and mental health will be the biggest issue over the next few decades for kids and adults. Our kids belong to the next few decades. What are we doing to ensure that our kids will be able to cope with their future pressures?

As a Certified Coach I have found that "fear" instilled in our kids has halted many vital developmental stages - it slows them down from maturity. Some kids are so afraid they are going to make mistakes and be yelled at, spanked and/or put in time-out. Can you imagine what that the fear must feel like, particularly to a kid? I was in a restaurant and a family sitting two tables down from us was in a family conflict situation. The dad was screaming and jerking the arm of one kid and another kid was crying because she was scared. It appeared that the dad was being a complete bully to the whole family and wanted the people in the restaurant be his audience. My daughter had to hold me down because I wanted to take the dad outdoors for a talking lesson on being a good dad.

Kids are gong to act up and parents should have developed coping skills in handling the situation. I believe in teaching kids decisions and consequences. When your family is going out to dinner in a restaurant, take the time to explain to them that if they shout, cry or cause a disturbance, everyone will leave the restaurant without eating and go to bed hungry, without any snacks. Be sure to put your explanation in language they will understand, for their age level. Kids living in fear will determine their attitude toward life, their future and their family experiences.

Parents need to find creative ways to help your kid relax and unwind; find creative ways to talk to them about their anxiety and everyday activities that may inject fear into them. I am concerned if parents do not find the time to do this - depression could be the number one factor in their future mental health.