All families have stress and pain . Imbalance, stress, death, moving, violence, divorce, rejection, loss, abuse, discord, bullying, isolation, are just some factors that contribute to: emotional, social, addictions and behavioral problems in youth today. Many children feel a void of meaninglessness and attempt to fill their void with the internet, you tube, tv, video games, drugs and more. None of these activities can fill their void.

Creating a deep meaningful  parent-child relationship filled with unconditional love and genuine interest and attention is the most important factor in providing a child with a safe, secure, and stable foundation for his or her future. The loss or absence of beneficial relationships is the Greatest source of suffering in a child’s life.Consistent parenting that is lacking causes a great deal of distress for a child. Emotional engagement and inconsistent parenting can take a devastating toll on a child. A child can grow up feeling alienated, rejected, helpless, unloved, angry, confused, depressed, anxious and more.

Parents are working more these days and there is less time being spent with children. Parents are exhausted by day’s end and there is little time spent together. Eating dinner together does not happen and quality time to develop a close relationship with children have fallen to the waste side. Children are growing like “weeds” playing video games and internet games to drown their pain out however the only thing that can fill them up is unconditional love and finding meaning in their lives.

Divorce and separation  is the single most traumatic and painful event for  a child. Losing a parent from death or an absence is extremely traumatic and must be dealt with so the child can feel safe and balanced. The lives of many children are impaired from grief, siblings and family illness, friends, a loved pet and more.

Physical, emotional, sexual abuse and trauma must be worked through in counseling to heal these emotional wounds. An emotional wound that goes untreated will spill over and ooze into other unhealthy behaviors for a child if left untreated.

Technology has replaced human connection. Dinner has been replaced by violent video games and addictive video games. Development of a child and teens brain is being stunted by a lack of interactions with adults. Children are isolated in their rooms playing video games, you tubing, face booking, however they are not having face to face human interactions that we all need and desire with adults that have: values, morals, ethics, boundaries, wisdom and more. So the internet is raising and shaping your child’s values and life. Many children spend 40-60 hours a week on the internet..garbage in garbage out..sure their are a few things that are positive however most activities are addictive and reinforce negative behaviors. Children are not exercising and getting out in nature. Children are not playing with peers however play with virtual friends and spend most of their free time developing virtual activities.

Children are looking for support and love in the wrong places. They are searching for love in food addictions, video games, Facebook posts, and more and wonder why they are unfulfilled. They really are looking for unconditional love and time with family.

Children are lacking direction and meaning in life. They can not derive meaning from finishing a video game. when life is void of meaning children and adults are depressed, empty, crushed, and vulnerable to emotional and behavioral issues.

Many experts are concerned that the drive through fix of medications is extremely dangerous for children and teens. Experts state a child that was free of emotional problems can be driven to: withdrawal, depression, irritability, anger, or psychosis from mind altering medications that are commonly prescribed as well as marijuana and street drugs.

Spending more quality time with youth is vital and family counseling and individual counseling with an experienced practitioner can facilitate desired change if parents are dedicated to improving their children’s lives.