Like other diligent parents, you most likely take your kid to well-child visits, get them immunization shots, ensure a nutritional diet, and...
Like other diligent parents, you most likely take your kid to well-child visits, get them immunization shots, ensure a nutritional diet, and help them complete schoolwork. But how often does the thought of looking after your kid’s mental health cross your mind?
A child’s mental well-being is
equally important, if not more, than physical health. As reported by the CDC, 1
in 5 children suffers from a mental health illness. Only parents can be the
first level of support for children’s mental health since they know their kids
better than anyone else. But unfortunately, most parents fail to notice when
their kid goes through a vulnerable phase. And even if they get some clue,
quite a few pay heed to the signs.
Nowadays, children are under a
lot of stress. Academic pressure, social interactions, extracurricular
activities, and external influences are the principal reasons children
experience mental health issues. But this begs the question: what can you do to
keep your kids mentally fit and healthy?
If you wish to learn how to
nurture your child’s mental wellness, read on:
Most kids, if not all, are
pessimistic since their childhood, which isn’t always an issue. However, when such
problems cross a line, they become a matter of great concern. So, consider it a
telltale sign if you observe your child overly worried and alienated from
casual situations such as interacting with new people. Similarly, if a change
in attitude or mood persists for weeks, it could be a sign of mental health
problems.
Unfortunately, almost 1 in 7
children suffers from mental health disorders in the US. But the alarming news
is that nearly half of these kids didn’t get help from medical health
professionals in 2016. Mental health issues, if left untreated, can adversely
impact overall well-being.
Therefore, if your kid, whether a
teenager or young adult, struggles with mental illness, seek professional help.
Choose a reliable facility such as Vista
Pines Health to receive optimum care and boost the quality of life. Since
mental health problems influence every individual differently, professionals
can develop a treatment plan that caters to your kid’s needs.
Take out time to play together
Every child needs to learn how to
address their emotions and build relationships. And since each kid is different
by nature, you need to figure out which activities your kid genuinely enjoys to
express their feelings. Sports activities, dancing, photography, writing,
singing, or acting are just a few examples to help your child contend with
complex emotions. Not only this, but such activities also spur innovation and
creativity in kids.
According to a study, playing can
yield multiple benefits for kids. For example, play increases the likelihood of
a kid being happy and mitigates the risk of anxiety and depression. Therefore,
give a break to household chores, work duties, and other obligations and carve
out time to spend with your kid. Paying attention solely to your kid makes them
feel important and loved.
Remember, you don’t need to play
with the intent of winning. Instead, spending time together and playing is more
about being involved and enjoying the activities.
Encourage healthy practices
Let’s admit it - there’s no safe
place like your humble abode. Children’s mental clarity and development mainly
hinge on a positive home environment. So, being a parent, make an effort to
provide your kids with a cheerful, secure, and supportive environment. Being
generous and showering love can go a long way toward nurturing a child’s mental
health.
Likewise, parents should promote
healthy lifestyle choices and practices at home. We all know eating a
well-balanced diet, engaging in healthy activities, maintaining proper hygiene,
and getting adequate sleep
aids physical well-being. But these healthy habits enhance mental health, too.
Although encouraging your kids to
eat nutritional food might not be easy, considering the bombardment of junk
food nowadays. Nevertheless, you can get creative and add fruits and vegetables
to sandwiches and smoothies.
Create a relationship of trust
A parent’s relationship with
their children plays a significant role in helping them reach maximum mental
growth. And the foundation of a solid parent-child relationship starts with
trust. Therefore, utter the words you mean and act on those words. Consider different
ways to showcase your child with love, care, and affection, and be consistent.
However, your job as a parent
doesn’t just stop here. Take some time from your everyday routine, no matter
how hectic, and ask your kid about the happenings in their life. Listen
intently to their worries, issues, and concerns. This way, you can get an
accurate and well-rounded picture of your kid’s emotional and mental state.
Sometimes all kids want to have
is someone in their corner who understands their problems and can lend a
listening ear. So, consider this opportunity to let your kids know it’s
completely normal to encounter times of struggle and strength.
Promote healthy relationships
Social connections are an
indispensable constituent of mental health. We, humans, crave connection and
human contact. While the special relationship you have with your child is undeniably
essential, your kid requires several other relationships
too to thrive in their life.
It’s crucial to develop strong
relationships with others, such as cousins, neighbors, friends, grandparents,
and others, to remain mentally fit. Even if you are one of those parents who
wish to keep your kids to yourself and enjoy alone time, provide them with the
opportunity to connect and network with others. These relationships help your
little ones master vital life skills.
So, support your kid to foster
healthy relationships; for instance, motivate them to make new friends while
playing or at school. You can go the extra mile and invite your child’s friends
to your home to learn about their company. Also, try encouraging them to talk
to their grandparents through Facetime or other virtual apps. It can help make
a difference in your child’s mental wellness.
Final Words
A mentally healthy child is less
likely to lapse into illness since they have high immunity levels. Not only
this, but the kid can also concentrate better in school and tackle challenges
head-on in life. And while it might not be easy to support and boost your child’s
mental wellness. However, you can provide integral support to your kid in this
journey by implementing parenting tips.
Try being all ears when your kid
opens up and expresses their feelings. Also, provide a comfortable and positive
environment so your child can communicate their worries. This way, your kid can
always count on you, ask for help when needed, and manage everyday struggles
smoothly. Further, foster healthy relationships, teach healthy practices, build
trust, and establish boundaries to make your kid mentally healthy and happy.
