Mental health is defined as the overall wellness of how you think, regulate your feelings, and behave. A mental illness, or mental health disorder, is defined as patterns or changes in thinking, feeling, or behaving that can cause distress or disrupt a person’s ability to function. In children, mental health disorders are generally defined as delays or disruptions in developing age-appropriate thinking, behaviors, social skills, or regulation of emotions. This can not only be distressing to the child, but it can disrupt their ability to function well at home, in school, or in other social situations.
As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s mental health by:
- promoting good mental health by the things you say and do
- creating a safe, healthy environment at home
- learning about the early signs of mental health problems and where to go for help
- teaching your child how to solve problems
Parents can help their children build strong, caring relationships with family and friends. Simply by spending time together, like having family dinners every night, helps to strengthen family bonds. Studies show that every child needs a significant person in their life who is consistently present and plays a crucial role in helping them develop resilience. This person, often a parent or other family member, is someone your child spends a lot of time with and can turn to when they need help.
It is also important that you help your children develop self esteem so that they feel good about themselves. Show lots of love and acceptance, make sure you praise them when they do well and recognize their efforts in all they do. Be sure to ask questions about their interests and activities, and help them to set realistic goals.
Listen to your child and respect their feelings. Let them know that it is okay to feel angry or sad, and that it is important to talk about our feelings. Keep communication open, and let your child know they can come to you to talk about whatever they want. Or if they don’t feel comfortable talking about something with you, that they can find someone else to talk to.
Teach your child how to relax when they feel upset. Suggest simple deep breathing exercises, doing something calming (taking a warm bath or a quiet activity they enjoy), or going for a walk with you. Talk about problem solving—ask them for possible solutions or ideas to improve the situation and how to make it happen. Remember to let your child come up with solutions. Your role is to let them know if their solutions are appropriate.
If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, consult your pediatrician, school counselor, school nurse, or another health care professional. For more information about children’s mental health, and to learn what signs to look for, check out the links below:
Let’s Talk About It—For Parents and Caregivers:
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/parents-caregivers
Supporting Children’s Mental Health: Tips for Parents and Educators:
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.