Grandparents are a vital resource in the child mental health crisis, says leading child psychologist

Child psychologist Dr. Kenneth Barish argues that the erosion of extended family support is a key factor in the current adolescent mental health crisis. He suggests that grandparents play a vital role in fostering values of kindness and community, which can help children balance the pressures of individual achievement.
Why it matters
It highlights the importance of intergenerational support systems in mitigating the rising rates of anxiety and depression among American youth.
As more than 40% of American teenagers report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness , a leading child psychologist says grandparents and extended family have a vital role to play.
The article presents a psychological perspective on social trends without taking a partisan political stance.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in