What Do Children and Young People Need to Navigate Life’s Challenges?

At the heart of these needs is love.

Children and young people face many challenges as they grow, but aside from the basic essentials like food, shelter, and safety, there are deeper needs that shape their emotional, social, and intellectual development. At the heart of these needs is love. Every child needs to feel nurtured, valued, and connected to others. Without love, affection, and social interaction, children risk emotional and physical distress. Inadequate peer contact, for example, can hinder their ability to regulate emotions and build healthy relationships.

We are inherently social beings, and our well-being flourishes when we feel part of a community. As children grow, they long to be seen, appreciated, and needed. Ultimately, as they mature into adulthood, they seek a deeper sense of purpose—a belief that their lives have meaning and that their contributions are valuable. When young people understand the impact they can have on the world, they build confidence and self-esteem. This sense of purpose is often developed through effort and responsibility.

The Role of Responsibility in Development

Children naturally seek responsibility as they mature. In the early years, they often imitate the actions of adults—helping with chores, cleaning, or gardening—as they yearn to contribute and learn. As they grow older, however, their desires shift. Adolescents, now focused more on their own autonomy, can become reluctant to take on the additional responsibilities that come with greater freedom. Parents often expect their children to prove their trustworthiness by performing well academically and taking on household responsibilities before granting them more freedom, such as social outings. This balancing act between freedom and responsibility is a key aspect of their development.

The Importance of Education and Critical Thinking

Education is essential for preparing young people to navigate the complexities of life. It’s not just about academic knowledge—it’s about cultivating curious minds, nurturing a sense of potential, and instilling the perseverance needed to pursue their goals. Helping children set meaningful goals gives them direction and purpose in their activities. Schools should focus on fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and resourcefulness while also equipping students with practical life skills, such as budgeting, meal planning, managing insurance, understanding loans, time management, organization, and basic business skills. These real-world competencies are crucial for adult life and can make the transition from school to adulthood smoother and more manageable. Work experience is another invaluable tool.Making it a mandatory part of the curriculum for teenagers would provide hands-on exposure to the workforce, helping them gain practical skills and build confidence.


This balancing act between freedom and responsibility is a key aspect of their development.


Additionally, it’s vital to give children access to information about current events and teach them how to critically assess the information they encounter—whether from the news or social media. While it’s important to protect their digital interactions, we must also empower them to navigate the online world responsibly and make informed decisions. Teenagers should be encouraged to engage with the political environment and global issues, rather than being shielded from them. The reality is that the world is filled with suffering and injustice, and while this may seem difficult, it’s an unavoidable truth. Understanding these issues can inspire young people to get involved, take action, and make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Fostering Open-Mindedness and Community Engagement

Teaching children to be open-minded, not to judge a book by its cover and to value diverse perspectives helps them grow into thoughtful, empathetic adults. The more opportunities they have to interact with people beyond their school or family circles, the richer their understanding of the world will be. Encouraging children to engage in community activities, such as volunteering at local charities, cleaning up parks, or helping in animal shelters, fosters a sense of belonging beyond the family unit. These experiences introduce young people to diverse ways of life, underscore the value of helping others (which not only benefits those in need but also boosts the helper's mood and sense of self-esteem), and highlight the importance of contributing to the community. In 2023 over ¼ of children between 8 to 16 years with a probable mental disorder in England had parents who could not afford to pay for extra curricular activities outside school.[1] Governments must ensure that young people have access to safe, welcoming youth clubs and community spaces where they can socialize, build connections, and engage in positive, enriching activities.

Mentorship and Support

Adults play a vital role in guiding young people, offering mentorship, and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. Young people can gain significant benefits from building relationships with trusted adults outside their immediate family. These connections provide valuable opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives and offer a safe space for confiding. This doesn’t diminish the importance of family; rather, it serves as an additional resource, reinforcing the idea that "it takes a village" to support a young person’s growth. By sharing their knowledge, offering work experience, or teaching new skills, adults can give young people the tools they need to thrive. When we invest in our youth, the entire community benefits.

Structure, Support, and Boundaries

Young people thrive when their lives are anchored by structure—clear rules, routines, and boundaries that provide a sense of security. They need guidance from adults who can offer support through both the good and challenging times. Praise should be given when earned, and constructive feedback should be given to foster growth. We should encourage our children’s passions and help them to find more ways to do more of what makes them happy. By striking a balance between support and accountability, we help young people navigate life’s complexities and develop into responsible, confident, and well-adjusted adults.


connections provide valuable opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives


Building Resilience and Patience in the Face of Challenges

It's important to help young people understand that there is no quick fix for life’s challenges—whether it’s navigating friendship struggles or overcoming academic difficulties. Progress takes time, effort, and dedication. When it comes to managing emotions like stress and anxiety, we must teach them that medication is not always the answer. Instead, they need to engage in open dialogue about how to make lasting, positive changes in their lives, so they’re not reliant on pills as a solution. For instance, using substances to numb emotions during adolescence might feel like a way to cope, but this stage of life is when feelings are intense and fluid—this emotional experience is crucial for self-discovery. It's when young people are most likely to form their true identities, not be molded by external influences or societal pressures.

We need to be cautious about hastily labelling young people with disorders.

Youngsters should not need a label to receive support. Adolescence is hard for everyone.

The Dangers of Labeling and the Importance of Personal Growth

While mental health struggles are real, we need to be cautious about hastily labelling young people with disorders. Many of the challenges faced during adolescence are simply part of growing up. Labelling these struggles as disorders can limit a young person’s development, offering them an excuse rather than empowering them to work through difficulties. When we label children as having a “disorder,” what message are we sending about their potential and self-worth? Despite the increase in mental health services, evidence suggests that the situation for young people is not improving; in fact, more and more are being diagnosed with various disorders. In 2023 1 in 5 children between 5 and 25 years in England had a probable mental disorder[2] and 20.3% of adolescents in the US.[3] It’s concerning that teachers, who are not trained mental health professionals, often play a key role in suggesting these diagnoses. This isn’t their expertise, yet they are frequently the ones recommending a clinical diagnosis for a student, which can be problematic.

Life is inherently challenging, and it’s important to be upfront with young people that struggles are a natural part of the human experience. Rather than avoiding discomfort, we must help them understand the value of resilience. Studies show that one in four members of Gen Z say they don’t want children because they prioritize "time for themselves.”[4] They view parenting as a demanding responsibility, one that they feel unprepared for and, in some cases, unnecessary. This shift is partly due to the growing trend of micromanaging parenting in recent years, which may have diminished young people's confidence in their own ability to raise a family successfully.

As parents, we need to offer our children more opportunities for independence and growth. But we also need to help them realize that life’s hardships—while difficult—are opportunities for personal growth. Having children is just one example and not the right choice for everyone, but the point remains that struggles build strength and character. Resilience is the cornerstone of personal development, and it is through overcoming adversity that we truly grow into the people we are meant to be.

It's time to stop investing in an idealized, online version of ourselves

Beyond Appearance: Shaping a Healthy Sense of Self

We must help young people understand that their true value isn’t tied to their appearance. In a society that often overemphasizes looks and external validation, it’s crucial to nurture a deeper sense of self-worth that comes from within. Genuine self-esteem is built on personal growth, kindness, and the ability to face life with integrity—not on seeking approval based on superficial traits.

In the real world, relationships should be grounded in shared interests and genuine affection for others. Unlike the online world, where we can carefully craft responses, edit photos, and present a curated version of ourselves, in the real world, we are unfiltered and vulnerable. To form true friendships, we must be authentic and honest. It's time to stop investing in an idealized, online version of ourselves and focus on developing the one real identity we have—the one that exists beyond the screen.

Conclusion

Supporting children and young people through life’s challenges requires more than just meeting their basic needs—it calls for a strong foundation built on real-world experiences, community connections, and authentic relationships. There needs to be more than virtual validation and online personas; young people need opportunities to engage with their local communities, interact face-to-face with diverse groups of people, and contribute in meaningful ways. It’s through these experiences that they truly develop a sense of belonging, responsibility, and purpose.

knowing their worth isn’t defined by external appearances or virtual approval, but by their actions, relationships, and contributions to the communities they belong to.

In a world increasingly dominated by screens and social media, we must emphasize the importance of real-world interaction. By encouraging young people to participate in local activities, volunteer for causes they care about, or simply spend time with others outside their immediate circles, we help them build the social skills, empathy, and resilience they need to thrive. The community becomes a mirror that reflects their value, showing them the impact of their contributions and fostering a deeper sense of identity.

True growth comes not from polished online images but from genuine, face-to-face connections, where young people can be themselves, make mistakes, learn from others, and discover their strengths. This is where they develop the confidence to face the world with authenticity and integrity, knowing their worth isn’t defined by external appearances or virtual approval, but by their actions, relationships, and contributions to the communities they belong to.

Ultimately, by investing in local communities and encouraging young people to engage meaningfully with the world around them, we empower them to build a grounded, purposeful identity. Through these real-world interactions—whether through volunteering, participating in local events, or simply being active members of their neighbourhoods—young people will grow into responsible, empathetic, and resilient adults, ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.


Post script:

As parents and adults, we sometimes also need tools and support to help our children. If we are not supported and suffer from poor mental health, it can have repercussions on the well-being of our children.[5] It's essential that these resources are available for adults and children. Here are a few:

Online Resources and Platforms for Local Community Engagement

Local Government and Council Websites

  • Local Council Websites (UK), Website: Varies by region (e.g., gov.uk)

  • Community Hubs (USA), Website: Local city or county websites

  • Eventbrite (Global), Website: www.eventbrite.com

Youth and Family-Oriented Programs

Social Good Platforms for Families and Individuals

Educational and Environmental Initiatives

  • Earthwatch Institute, Website: www.earthwatch.org,

    Earthwatch offers families and young people opportunities to participate in environmental research and conservation projects.

  • Local Nature and Wildlife Reserves

Cultural and Artistic Community Programs

  • Local Libraries (Global), Website: Varies by region (e.g., www.libraries.co.uk)

  • Creative Workshops and Makerspaces, Website: Local community centers, museums, and arts organizations. Many local museums, community centers, and arts organizations offer creative workshops.

Other Helpful Resources

  • Timebanking (Global), Website: www.timebanking.org

    Description: Timebanking is a community exchange model where people trade time rather than money. Parents can get involved by offering a service (like tutoring or babysitting) and receiving services in return. This builds a strong sense of community and encourages intergenerational cooperation.

  • Local Religious Institutions

  • Local Farmers’ Markets or Street Fairs 

Mental Health & Wellbeing Support

Youth Empowerment & Activism

Parenting Strategies and Resources

Emergency Mental Health Support for Parents


References

[1] https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/mental-health-of-children-and-young-people-in-england/2023-wave-4-follow-up

[2] https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/mental-health-of-children-and-young-people-in-england/2023-wave-4-follow-up

[3] BBC News. (2021, January 13). Why Generation Z is shunning parenthood. BBC News. Pew Research Center. (2020, December 17). The future of parenthood: How the views of Gen Z and Millennials shape family life. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/12/17/more-young-adults-say-they-are-not-waiting-for-marriage-to-have-children/ YouGov. (2020, July 28). Generation Z’s changing attitudes towards parenthood. YouGov. https://yougov.co.uk/topics/society/articles-reports/2020/07/28/gen-z-parenthood

[4] BBC News. (2021, January 13). Why Generation Z is shunning parenthood. BBC News. Pew Research Center. (2020, December 17). The future of parenthood: How the views of Gen Z and Millennials shape family life. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/12/17/more-young-adults-say-they-are-not-waiting-for-marriage-to-have-children/ YouGov. (2020, July 28). Generation Z’s changing attitudes towards parenthood. YouGov. https://yougov.co.uk/topics/society/articles-reports/2020/07/28/gen-z-parenthood

[5] Sappenfield O, Alberto C, Minnaert J, et al. Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health, 2023. 2024 Oct. In: National Survey of Children’s Health Data Briefs [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Health Resources and Services Administration; 2018-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK608531/

 



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