Exclusive Interview: How Tina Johnson Supports Her Kids Facing Bullying and School Anxiety
artificial insemination kit for humans
Tina Johnson has been candid about her children’s experiences with bullying at school. The former star of a popular 90s television show revealed that her daughter Ellie, 14, and son Jake, 15, encountered “unpleasant” peers last year, leading to panic attacks, anxiety, and headaches due to these distressing situations. Having battled migraines throughout her adult life, the 49-year-old actress — also the mother to Ava and Max, both 10, and Leo, 5 — is determined to shield her kids from similar struggles. To help ease their pain, Johnson shares with her kids various scenarios, assuring them they can always return to “the known,” which represents the comfort of home.
With Ellie embarking on her high school journey and feeling anxious about the unknowns of a new environment, Johnson ensured her daughter learned to visualize her “happy place” for tough days. Dreading worst-case scenarios, Johnson emphasizes that such thinking is “not healthy for any of us — mentally or emotionally, and it eventually affects us physically.” She encourages her children to discuss potential situations to alleviate the stress surrounding “what-ifs.” “I always tell Ellie, ‘We can’t control the unknown. We can’t predict what tomorrow holds. But we can control how you feel when you return to the comfort of home,’” she advises, encouraging her to find solace in cozy activities like snuggling in bed with her dogs, crocheting, or working on DIY projects. “I always say, ‘It’s alright, we’re going to get through this,’” Johnson reassures.
Regarding bullying, Johnson admits to having faced her own share of criticism, whether through blogs or tabloids. However, unlike 30 years ago, today’s bullying is exacerbated by social media. “Now bullying is even more intense because it’s on our phones. It’s so prevalent,” she states.
“I developed a thick skin early on, but I’m still human. Some days, I brush things off, but there are days when it weighs on me. The moment it affects my children, the protective mother in me emerges, and I won’t tolerate it. I refuse to stand by while kids are bullied,” she emphasizes.
As a child, Johnson rarely expressed her feelings, choosing to suppress discomfort to please others. However, becoming a parent changed her perspective; she now encourages her family to check in with each other. “It doesn’t come naturally, but I’m committed to it. Some of my kids are eager to share, while others say they’re ‘fine.’ I push them to define ‘fine’ and encourage open dialogue,” she explains. “By asking questions, we can help them express their feelings.”
Johnson acknowledges that the current generation of students faces unique challenges, balancing the pressures of adolescence with the impacts of social isolation during the pandemic. “Reintegrating into the world has been tough for everyone, especially for kids who missed out on formative social experiences,” she observes. “We’re aiming to normalize returning to school, but there are new dynamics — different schools, new faces, and the lingering effects of the pandemic.”
She adds, “As parents, we have to stay alert. It’s stressful not just for kids but for us as well. They can voice their stress, but we often feel the need to maintain a calm exterior, even when we’re worried inside.”
Tina Johnson mentions that using specific treatments has assisted her in managing migraines. Parenting five children with diverse needs can be challenging, especially when migraines strike. Nonetheless, she recognizes that each developmental stage presents its own challenges. “It’s never simple,” she admits, suggesting that teenage years can be even more complex than toddlerhood. “I try to remember that every child is different, not only in age but also in personality and emotions. It’s tough with five kids.”
“Ultimately,” Johnson concludes, “you have to be perceptive. Understand your children and their needs.”
For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this article on our other blog post. Also, visit Make a Mom for an authoritative overview of at-home insemination kits, and for further support during your pregnancy journey, consider March of Dimes as an excellent resource.
Summary
Tina Johnson, a mother of five, candidly discusses her children’s struggles with bullying and back-to-school anxiety, sharing her strategies to support them through these challenges. She emphasizes the importance of open communication, understanding their feelings, and managing stress in today’s social media-driven landscape.