It is easy for parents to identify the physical needs of their children, such as nutrition, sickness, warm clothes, and shelter. Not every parent knows how to address the mental health needs of their children. The emotional and mental health needs of children, especially younger children, might not be as obvious to spot.
It is essential to have good mental health as a child so that their development can continue at a normal rate. Both physical and mental health needs are important, but in this article, we will discuss what every child needs for good mental health. If you are unsure of where to start when dealing with your child’s mental health, below is some helpful advice.
Encouragement When Expressing Emotions
Young children often have problems when expressing their emotions. They can sometimes shy away from telling an adult what they are really feeling, for fear of being scolded or ridiculed. If you encourage your child to express their emotions, whatever they might be feeling, you will see that their mental health will improve. They will be better able to interact with other children in a more successful and meaningful manner.
Praise For Positive Achievements
Praising your children for reaching their goals or doing well in an activity they enjoy will make them feel proud. It will encourage them to learn more and experience more. Allow young children to play in an area where they cannot be easily hurt and tell them how well they are doing with a game or a puzzle. This positive praise and attention will boost their self-confidence and their self-esteem, leading to improved mental health.
Learning Opportunities
Children love to learn, and learning can lead not only to more knowledge but to better mental health. Allowing your children to learn more about the world around them by providing h\them with books, newspapers, and magazines will broaden their ideas of the world. Their mental health will improve as they learn about people who are different from them, and how to interact with them, having a positive impact on their social interactions.
Remember Realistic Goals
Younger children might strive to be like their siblings or their older friends, but these are often unrealistic goals that cause them to become depressed or upset when they are not reached. Help your children to choose realistic goals, such as finishing an hour of homework before bedtime or reading ten pages of a book a day, rather than allowing them to put too much pressure on themselves.
Their Feelings Should Be Taken Seriously
It is often the case that parents dismiss the feelings of their children as being part and parcel of their age or developmental level. However, their feelings must be taken seriously and not dismissed, as this could lead to resentment, which is detrimental to their mental health. Making a sarcastic remark or telling an anxious child not to worry will make them feel as though you are not listening to their emotional needs.
Be Honest About Your Own Feelings
Children learn from what their parents and guardians do and say, so be sure to be honest about your own feelings. You should also not hide your failures from your children, as their mental health relies on knowing that they are allowed to fail and not feel bad for it. Being honest about how you feel about a situation, such as being sad about a family incident or frustrated about not completing a task on time. Knowing that adults also have a variety of feelings that will help children to understand their own better.
Provide A Safe Environment
When you are playing or learning with your child, you will need to be sure that the environment is safe for both physical and emotional development. Remember to encourage emotional expression, provide praise for positive achievements, and help your children to set realistic goals. Always take their feelings seriously no matter what you might think, and be honest about your own feelings.
If you would like more information about the mental health of your children, or advice on how to cope with your own issues, contact Life Path Health today for expert guidance.