The topic of mental health has been a recurring topic in many of today’s discourse.
We’re not just tackling childhood obesity, diabetes and cancer. We’re also addressing depression, anxiety and even eating disorders.
When it comes to children, these discussions are all the more important.
We often hold the mistaken belief that children lead care-free, unbothered lives full of sunshine and cotton candy.
But this can often be farther from the truth.
With growing academic pressures, the inundation of social media and the rise of cyberbully, our children’s mental health are more at risk than it’s ever been.
Mental Health and Children
It can be hard to believe that children experience depression, anxiety, and stress.
But studies show that children nowadays experience as much if not more stress than adults. And that the rates of depression and anxiety among youths and minors are at an unprecedented level.
Researchers have blamed everything from maltreatment to bullying to parent-child conflicts.
But there are still ways to nip the problem in the bud. All it takes is the hands-on involvement of parents.
Addressing the mental wellbeing of your kids involves a synergy of multiple strategies.
Here are some strategies to promote and address child mental health.
10 Ways to Address Your Children’s Mental Health
Open Communication
The most important part about mental health is transparency.
Your child must feel comfortable enough in their environment to express their thoughts and feelings.
But you should do more than just encourage them to talk about their emotions. Actively listen to your child without judgment.
Pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues, and validate their feelings. This helps them feel heard and understood.
Encourage Healthy Habits
No teenager wants to hear their parents set limits to how long they can use their smartphones.
But a healthy body makes a healthy mind. And science proves this to a degree.
It’s important to help promote good physical health for your child.
First and foremost, by setting a good example.
Encourage them to perform regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, spend some time outdoors, and last but not least, get sufficient sleep.
Sleep is the number one way to improve mental health.
Limit Screen Time
There has been plenty of studies showing the detrimental effects of too much screen time.
Whether that’s watching television, scrolling on social media, or playing video games.
As a parent, set reasonable limits on screen time, reducing to only a couple of hours a day.
Excessive use of smart devices can impact sleep and contribute to mental health issues.
However, it is also known impact cognitive development and academic performance, especially where teens are concerned.
Teach Coping Skills
There are healthy ways to cope with stress, and unhealthy ways.
But these may only make their mental health worse.
Help your child develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Activities that involve social interaction, physical activity, and creativity.
Others may include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or finding comfort in hobbies.
Promote Social Connections
Research has shown that social interaction is integral to human well-being, including mental health.
No man is an island, and your teen could benefit from having a support system other than their immediate family.
If your child has trouble meeting or finding friends, get them to join community activities and get-togethers. Facilitate opportunities for social interaction with peers.
Friendships and positive social experiences are so important for mental health.
Educate on Emotions
The most common culprit of stress is lack of emotional intelligence.
When you are able to monitor and manage your feelings, mental health improves.
Teach your child about various emotions and help them understand that it’s normal to experience a range of feelings.
Encourage them to express their emotions appropriately.
Seek Professional Help
Sometimes certain symptoms can be too serious or extreme to be managed at home.
And you cannot always be there for your child such as during school or work.
So, if you notice persistent signs of emotional distress, changes in behaviour, or concerns about your child’s mental health, consult with a mental health professional. Early intervention is crucial.
School Support
School is the second place your child spends most of their time other than home.
But sometimes school is not a sanctuary.
Bullies, for instance, is an often untreated disease in our education systems.
So, teachers should be responsible for maintaining a safe and peaceful environment for all children.
If your child’s school is neither concerned nor well-funded enough to care for their student’s mental wellbeing, then it’s all the better to move schools.
Let’s Improve Our Children’s Mental Health
Remember that every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.
Early intervention and support can make a significant difference in promoting positive mental wellbeing for our children.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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