An integral part of children’s health, mental health, works hand-in-hand with their physical health, aiding them to succeed at school, work, and in society. Together, physical and mental health affect how one thinks, feels, and acts. Mental health is important through all stages of life, from prenatal to late adulthood. The foundation of mental wellbeing is established in the early years. It is the ability to produce positive emotions, feelings, ideas and adapt oneself when hit by a stressful situation or an adversity.
Why is a Child’s Mental Health Important?
A child’s brain is like raw, fresh clay, one in its moulding stage. During the developing stage of their childhood, children acquire cognitive and socio-emotional skills that determine their mental health. The exposure to their immediate environments and experiences at home, school, peer groups, etc., helps them develop these skills. During the development stages of children’s life, parents must entail a positive and enriching environment for themto blossom in, and to be mentally healthy to function efficiently as an adult.
Following are little tokens of affection parents can utilise to support their child’s mental health:
- Show Unconditional Love
The simplest acts of love, such as giving hugs, can trigger the release of oxytocin; bringing a wave of warmth and contentment. Unconditional love differs vastly from rewarding your child for their achievements (as you will see next), it means loving them regardless and not only if. Feeling loved is tagged along feelings of security, a reassurance every child needs.
- Praise their Characteristics
Your child needs to be appreciated for their accomplishments and good deeds. The kind words will not only encourage them to continue doing so but make them feel recognised. Respect your child and approach them with a positive, and empathic attitude. Do not forget that their behaviour is a reflection of yours.
- Spend Time Together
Play games, sing silly songs, read bedtime stories, play throwball at the park – do activities that bring you together. Over a period of time, these things might encourage them to view you as a friend rather than as a parent. Such positive experiences give them a dopamine rush and a lifetime full of memories. Henceforth, they will valuethe importance of spending time with their loved ones.
- Communicate Regularly
Walk and talk through their daily lives as well as any troubling experiences. Encourage them to talk about their feelings so they develop effective processing and communication skills. Talk to them with a soft approach and assure that you are always available to listen. Communication is key. Sometimes, an ear to their problem is all they need.
- Build Trust
Be sensitive to your child’s needs and respond to the signals they give. Ensure a safe space by creating a warm, loving home for them. A strong support system results in many positive benefits, such as reducing stress and higher levels of well-being. Building a relationship on trust will aid the child’s emotional regulation and, in turn, raise them to have sustainable relationships as adults.
- Get Them Help if They Need It
As soon as you notice signs of deteriorating mental health, address these concerns. Early identification is essential to get them the help they need. Children’s minds are fragile and need proper guidance and care to tackle bigger issues. For additional support, approach professionals – a teacher or school counsellor to begin with. In such cases, it is necessary to understand the root of the problem rather than jumping directly to the solution – and that is where professionals come into the picture.
Conclusion
The culture at Ekya is built on empathy and respect – students are taught and treated with the same. We create a positive and encouraging space for children to feel safe. By inculcating recreational activities such as reading books and watching movies as part of the curriculum, we make learning engaging and fun. Not only does this ensure the holistic development of the child in an enriching environment, but also empowers them to go out in the world as highly competent and good human beings !!