The secret to raising confident children? Quality time with parents.

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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. As concerns abound about the mental health of children and adolescents, parents are getting all sorts of advice. Should we ban phones or just social media? Try pharmaceuticals or wean kids off them? Find a therapist or hire a “life coach" instead? The prescriptions for helping kids become healthier, less anxious and more self-possessed are as varied as the kids themselves.

But what if the answer is actually simple? According to a growing body of research, one of the best ways to raise confident children is for parents to spend more quality time with them. “The child who feels secure, safe and seen within their intimate home environment will be the one who is able to go out into the world, take risks, engage more fully and form healthy relationships," said Dr. Shefali Tsabary, a clinical psychologist and the author of “The Conscious Parent" and “The Awakened Family." Parents who are already feeling harried may feel put out by calls to spend more “on" time with their kids.

But building this confidence—particularly when kids are young and their brains and self-image are developing—can actually make life easier for everyone by getting to the roots of worrisome behavior. The key is to focus on quality time, not quantity. Instead of spending whole afternoons in the company of children while also cleaning the house and fielding emails, Tsabary said that setting aside just 10-15 minutes a day for an engaged interaction, such as going for a walk or throwing a ball, can make a big difference.