隨著子女長大，相信不少家長都發現子女愈來愈抗拒與父母談心，孩子可能是覺得尷尬，也可能是自小家庭關係不太緊密。精神科專科黃宗顯醫生指出：「自小與子女建立良好親子關係十分重要，但若家長懷疑子女出現情緒問題，除了留意子女行為有否變化外，亦可引導子女表達自己的想法，了解他們的內心世界。」
如前文提及，家長與孩子應自小建立親子關係，每天放下工作，給予雙方親子交流的時間，一起進行有趣的親子活動。黃醫生指：「緊密的親子關係有助孩子向家長表達內心，即使隨著年紀長大，他們亦會較願意表達自己，並對家人有所信任。」
惟若孩子不願透露自己想法，家長又察覺孩子的行為變化時（可參考：https://www.parentsdaily.com.hk/expert/4073），黃醫生建議家長應耐心引導孩子表達內心，「當孩子表達自己的想法時，家長應耐心聆聽，給予孩子表達的機會。與子女建立每天親子聊天時間，讓子女有渠道在家表達自己。家長要謹記一旦子女提及相關情緒問題的症狀時，家長不應作出批判，也不要處處否定子女。」
As children grow up, many parents may find that their children become increasingly resistant to having heart-to-heart talks. The children may feel awkward, or perhaps the family relationships have not been very close since childhood. Dr. Wong Chung Hin, a specialist in psychiatry, points out, “It is crucial for parents to establish a good parent-child relationship from an early age. If parents suspect emotional issues in their children, in addition to observing changes in their behavior, they can guide their children to express their thoughts and understand their inner world.”
As mentioned earlier, parents and children should establish a parent-child relationship from a young age, setting aside time each day for parent-child communication and engaging in interesting family activities together. Dr. Wong emphasizes, “A close parent-child relationship helps children express themselves to their parents. Even as they grow older, they will be more willing to express themselves and have trust in their family.”
However, if a child is unwilling to reveal their thoughts and parents notice changes in their behavior (refer to: https://www.parentsdaily.com.hk/expert/4073), Dr. Wong advises parents to patiently guide their children to express their inner feelings. “When children express their thoughts, parents should listen patiently and provide them with the opportunity to express themselves. Establish a daily parent-child chatting time, allowing children to have a channel to express themselves at home. Parents should remember that once children mention symptoms related to emotional issues, parents should not criticize or constantly deny their children.”
黃醫生續指：「每個人都會有自己想法和立場，家長亦然。曾經有家長告訴我，他的小朋友不願上學和做功課，每天要他上學，他的情緒便會失控。但當小朋友留在家打機又會很開心，令家長覺得小朋友只是懶惰和『扮嘢』。但家長應細心了解小朋友不願上學背後的原因，不應排除小朋友任何情緒問題，以免錯過處理情緒問題的重要時刻。」但若家長引導過後，孩子仍然對自己的狀況絕口不提，家長可與學校聯絡，了解孩子在校的情況等。
黃醫生憶述其中一個中學生個案：「這位學生有天突然自己致電診所，詢問看醫生是否一定要家長陪同。後來，這位學生與朋友一同來就診，才發現原來這位學生與家人關係不好，朋友聽他分享後，便建議他尋求專業意見。在治療的過程中，我與他慢慢建立良好醫患關係，得到他的信任，並希望能重建他與家人的關係。」黃醫生慨嘆並不是每個個案都能得到家人支持，因此學校角色都非常重要，年青人一旦遇到情緒或壓力問題，若無法找家人傾訴，可以尋求信任的成人協助。
面對近日不斷的輕生悲劇，黃醫生寄語家長要明白要孩子全人發展，不單單只有學業成績，更包含精神健康等。黃醫生深明孩子的壓力大多來自學習及家人期望，「不論學生或家長，希望大家都能在壓力環境下好好裝備自己，所謂的裝備並非補習，而是好好照顧自己的精神健康，在生活中取得平衡。家長及學校亦應教導學生了解精神健康的重要，促進學生身心健康的成長。」
Dr. Wong continues, “Everyone has their own thoughts and perspectives, and parents are no exception. I once had a parent tell me that their child refused to go to school and do homework, and their emotions would spiral out of control every time they were urged to go to school. However, when the child stayed home to play video games, they seemed very happy, leading the parent to think the child was just lazy and ‘pretending.’ However, parents should carefully understand the reasons behind the child’s reluctance to go to school and not dismiss any emotional issues the child may have, to avoid missing crucial moments for addressing emotional problems.” If, after parental guidance, the child still refuses to discuss their situation, parents can contact the school to learn about the child’s situation at school.
Dr. Wong recalls a case involving a high school student: “This student suddenly called the clinic one day and asked if it was necessary for parents to accompany him. Later, the student came for a consultation with friends, revealing that he had a poor relationship with his family. After sharing with friends, they suggested seeking professional advice. During the treatment process, I slowly built a good doctor-patient relationship with him, gained his trust, and hoped to help rebuild his relationship with his family.” Dr. Wong laments that not every case receives family support, so the role of schools is crucial. When young people encounter emotional or stress-related issues and cannot confide in their families, they can seek assistance from trusted adults.
In light of the recent increase in suicide tragedies, Dr. Wong advises parents to understand that a child’s holistic development involves more than just academic achievements; it also includes mental health. Dr. Wong understands that a child’s stress often comes from academic and family expectations. “Whether students or parents, I hope everyone can equip themselves well in stressful environments. Equipping oneself does not necessarily mean extra tutoring but taking good care of one’s mental health and achieving balance in life. Parents and schools should also teach students about the importance of mental health and promote the holistic growth of students’ physical and mental well-being.”
