Medical Minute: What can 'active hope' do for your children?

Children today face increasing stress from school, social media, and even natural disasters, but experts say parents can help by practicing "active hope."

Georgetown University psychologist Rachel Barr encourages parents to focus on what can be done rather than dwelling on fears. "Being future-focused and thinking, 'What can we do?' rather than what we can't do," Barr said.

Simple steps like pausing to take deep breaths, discussing challenges, and breaking problems into smaller, manageable actions can help ease anxiety. McCall Booth, who once worried about the environment, said these strategies led her to study science instead of feeling overwhelmed.

Barr warns against false hope, urging parents to acknowledge challenges while empowering children to take action.