A lot has changed in this past year, and it has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. Children and teenagers are suffering from the effects just as much as you are, and they need support to get through these challenging times. Depression and anxiety were on the rise in children even before the pandemic.
Many adults are capable of taking care of their own mental health. Through struggles and trials in your life, you’ve likely found ways to cope and care for your mental wellbeing. However, your child needs your support with their mental health.
As a parent, you play a significant role in your child’s mental health. Below, you’ll find how you can support your child’s mental health during these challenging times and throughout the rest of their childhood.
Validate Their Feelings
It’s natural for a child to experience a range of emotions. Of course, you want to protect your children at all costs and keep them from pain, but trying to distract them from their feelings won’t help their mental wellbeing.
Validate your child’s feelings and understand why they feel the way they do. Instead, find creative ways, like journaling or drawing, to get out their feelings. Reassure them that it’s okay for them to feel sad, upset or angry so they can honestly process their thoughts.
Encourage Open Communication
Open communication is key in every relationship, and it’s crucial if you want to support your child’s mental health. Create an atmosphere where your child can feel free to come to you about their struggles and thoughts.
Discuss with your child honestl and frequently what’s going on in their life and the world. Be straightforward and use language that they can understand. When you respect them and are truthful, they will be honest with you about their mental health.
Help Them Develop Self-Esteem
Help your child foster self-esteem so they feel good about themselves. Praise them and show them a lot of love and acceptance. This will boost their confidence, which promotes positive mental health.
You can also help them develop self-esteem by showing interest in their activities. Be involved in their lives as much as possible. Additionally, teach them how to set realistic goals ? when they accomplish them, they’ll gain a positive attitude and outlook on life!
Create A Positive Home Environment
This is one of the best ways to support your child’s mental health. Positive home environments limit media use, provide time for family activities and have parents that are a role model for positive mental health and behavior.
Anytime there’s a serious family issue, make sure you are careful when discussing it with another adult or your spouse. Children can worry about familial issues, but if it’s something that doesn’t need to involve them, leave it out.
Teach Them Coping Mechanisms
Teach your child how to relax and take a step back from a situation where they feel upset or that is out of their control. The coping mechanism you teach them may be different from the ones you use, so be sure to offer a wide variety.
The coping skills might include deep breathing, doing an activity to get their mind off the situation or going for a walk. Talk to them about how they can solve their own problems, too. Of course, if they need help, be there for them, but encourage them to find their own solutions.
Establish Structure And Routine At Home
Structure and routine in the home allow children to have a sense of stability. Try to keep bedtimes and the morning routine the same every day. Children should be getting between nine and eleven hours of sleep every night. Plus, children should have regular meals.
Additionally, ensure your children have playtime every day as well. Playing is an excellent way for them to relieve stress and have an activity that keeps their mind off of any worries they have throughout the day.
Promote Physical Activity And Healthy Eating Habits
Get your children outside and keep them active. Access to physical activity and nature reduces the risk of depression, reduces stress, and keeps kids more focused. Try to get outside and move around every day.
Additionally, promote healthy eating habits for your children. It can be tempting to give in to sweet treats when your child feels mentally unwell, but the sugar rush followed by a sugar crash won’t help them feel better. Instead, provide them with healthy snacks and meals packed with protein, fruits, veggies and whole grains.
Recognize Signs Of Poor Mental Health Get Help If Needed
Finally, you can support your child’s mental health by recognizing signs of poor mental health and seeking professional help if needed. Here are common signs that your child’s mental health may be suffering:
- Changes in thinking, such as saying negative things about themselves or having changes in school performance.
- Seeming overly unhappy, irritable, worried or guilty.
- Wanting to be alone more often or seeming quieter and less energetic than usual.
- Having physical changes such as sleeping or eating problems, headaches and feeling tired all the time.
Reach out to your family doctor for suggestions on a counselor or child psychologist for further information about how your child can get the support they need.
Nurturing Your Child’s Mental Health
Good mental health is all about creating and using healthy habits every day. Be there for your kids and foster a relationship with them to support them through their mental health.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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