Just as we’ve placed importance on the physical health of kids, so also should we do for their emotional well-being. We always think because they are young their emotions and feeling do not matter, one thing we have failed to recognize is that ‘kids learn what they live.’ When you teach your kids to be independent and strong-willed, they grow into becoming adults that can cope no matter what life throws at them.
According to a statement made by the Centers for Disease Control, “Mental health in childhood means attaining developmental and emotional milestones, and learning healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems.” Because they are kids, it is better to lay this foundation for them so they can develop the right social and emotional skills they need to survive.
Among some of the things that can help keep your kids mentally healthy include;
- Good physical health translates to good mental health. Provide your kids with a healthy diet.
- Allow free play both indoor and outdoor.
- Attending a school that ensures the well-being of the kid.
- Being in a family that shows support and love.
One major part is the family these kids grow up in. Are they loved? Are they safe? Are they valued? Ask yourself these questions. Children are often troubled mentally because of the problems that are most likely facing at home. As their parents, you can employ these 5 points to help promote their mental health.
1. Teach them how to describe their feelings with words at a young age. The more your kids can verbalize their feelings, the lesser they showcase it through actions like getting violent or throwing tantrums.
2. Teach them to be independent. As parents, we are always ready to help them do things, but we should also let them take responsibility for some of their actions. By doing this, you prepare them for bigger tasks ahead.
3. Teach them to manage their feelings. You do not have to always make them feel good especially when you refuse to give them something. It is their right to be able to make themselves feel better.
4. Teach them empathy. Let your kids learn to consider other people’s feeling as well. When thy hurt people, teach them to apologize. By learning this, they become aware of how others feel.
5. Help them build tolerance towards certain feelings rather than suppressing it. When your child is sad, help them find out why they are sad, do not just tell that everything will be fine. By doing this, you are teaching them to become problem solvers.
