Caveat- I'm not referring to those with genuine, serious MH problems.
I think if I hadn't had a bit of tough love when I was a teenager I'd be a completely different person now. Being told that school was not optional and to get out of the door and do something productive. Given the choice, I swear I would have made my anxieties at the time more than what they were. For me, pulling my socks up and getting on with life was the best thing to do. (Don't get me wrong, I was hospitalised with suicide attempt and really struggled as a teenager).
It seems now that it's optional that kids are at school on time. They are pandered to with a significant focus on their MH as opposed to other more productive discussions, coaching style encouragement.
A 14 yr old I know takes a few pills every time someone puts their foot down with them and these 'suicide attempts' now mean he doesn't need to go to school everyday. I don't want to be a dinosaur but I can't help but feel a kick up the backside is needed.
Is it really the best thing for them to be so soft on them?
Help me understand please? Why are we so soft now and afraid to discipline or just provide boundaries and certainty during a tricky time in their lives?