Tag Archive for: Britney Wagler

How to Talk to Children About Their Friends’ Mental Health

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By Britney Wagler, MSW, LCSW – Dec. 11, 2025 –

Our children often look to us for answers. Sometimes, when it comes to mental health, we don’t know what to say or how to support them.

According to the 2024 KIDS COUNT Data Book, 35.7% of students in 7th-12th grade reported that in the past year, they felt so sad or hopeless for two or more weeks in a row that they stopped participating in their usual activities.

Additionally, 17.2% reported that in the past year they seriously considered attempting suicide, and 12.8% reported that in the past year they made a suicide plan.

If your child is not directly affected by mental health issues, one of their friends or someone they know likely is. Mental health is a tough topic to talk about; however, the more we talk about it, the easier it becomes. When a friend is struggling, your child may feel confused, helpless, or even guilty. They may not know what to say to their friend and may look to you for help.

What can you say to your child to help support their friend? First, normalize mental health issues. Talking about mental health with your child can better educate them and provide them with important information. If you don’t know the answers, look up information from a reputable source together. Mental Health America (MHA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are great resources.

Second, remind your child that their friend is still their friend. Just like your child wouldn’t stop being a friend to someone diagnosed with diabetes, your child shouldn’t stop being friends with someone who has a mental health diagnosis. Remind your child that their friend is still the same person they were before. They should continue to include them in all activities and plans.

Third, encourage your child to check in on their friend. Give your child permission to come to you with any concerns they may have about their friend. Remind them that if anyone talks about suicide or self-harm, they should tell their parents or another trusted adult. Remember that a mental health disorder is not contagious. Your child will not “catch it” from someone else.

Lastly, if your child’s friend does attempt to harm themselves in any way, remind your child that it is not their fault. It’s ok to be sad and scared about what happened, but they are not responsible for anyone else’s actions, only their own. Comfort them and extend that compassion to their friend. Children watch how you react and respond to crises. You set the tone on how they handle mental health issues with others in the future.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please contact 988 for the local Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 for emergency responders.

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The Homework Struggle: How Parents and Kids Can Cope Without Conflict

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by Britney Wagler, MSW, LCSW – September 3, 2025 –

As the school year settles into full swing, many households find themselves battling a familiar evening routine: the “homework struggle.” It’s a time that often brings stress, frustration, and even tears for both parent and child. With the right coping strategies, however, parents and kids can transform homework time into a more positive and productive experience.

Homework frustration stems from a mix of factors. For students, it can be a lack of understanding, fatigue after a long school day, or feeling overwhelmed by excessive work. For parents, watching their child struggle, especially when they want to help but don’t know how, can quickly lead to tension.

Every parent wants their child to succeed. When a student isn’t doing well, this can lead to frustration. It’s important to remember that frustration is a normal emotion, but how we respond to it makes all the difference to our children.

What can a parent do to minimize the frustration, stress and tears of homework?

  1. Take a step back. Resist the urge to correct or fix mistakes immediately. Let your child attempt the work on their own first. This builds independence and confidence.
  2. Stay calm and supportive. Your tone sets the mood. If your child senses your frustration, they may shut down or mirror that emotion. Take deep breaths, stay positive, and remind them and yourself that learning takes time.
  3. Break it down. Help your child break assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. This can make even the most intimidating workload feel more achievable.
  4. Create a homework routine. Consistency can reduce battles. Designate a regular time and quiet space for homework, with minimal distractions and necessary supplies ready.
  5. Know when to walk away. If things get too tense, take a short break. A ten-minute walk or a snack break can help reset everyone’s mood.

How can a parent help their child cope with frustration?

  1. Ask for help early. If something doesn’t make sense, encourage your child to ask questions before frustration builds up. It’s okay not to know everything right away.
  2. Use a timer. Working in short bursts, like 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, can improve focus and reduce mental fatigue. This technique, known as the Pomodoro Method, works well for all ages.
  3. Keep a positive attitude. Teach kids to replace negative self-talk (“I can’t do this”) with encouraging phrases (“I’ll try my best” or “I can ask for help”).
  4. Celebrate progress. Finishing a tough assignment deserves recognition. Whether it’s verbal praise or a small reward, celebrating effort motivates kids to keep going.

If homework struggles persist and are severe, it may be time to discuss them with the teacher. Sometimes the issue lies with unclear instructions, learning differences, or workload expectations that need adjustment.

Ultimately, homework doesn’t have to be a nightly battle. With patience, structure, and empathy, parents and kids can turn frustration into an opportunity for growth and hopefully enjoy the process of learning together.

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