Mental Health
Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially, and learn new skills. Mental health can be fostered by making sure a child has some good friends and receives encouraging words from adults. All this is important in helping children develop self-confidence, high self-esteem, and a healthy emotional outlook on life. In order to develop good mental health, a child needs:
• unconditional love
• self-confidence and high self-esteem
• the opportunity to play with other children
• encouraging teachers
• supportive caretakers
• safe surroundings
• guidance and discipline
Unconditional Love
For optimum mental health, a child should find love, security, and acceptance at home among the family. Children need to understand that their parents’ love does not depend on accomplishments, and mistakes should be expected and accepted.
Self-Confidence
A child becomes more confident in a family that expresses unconditional love and affection. Children should be praised and encouraged so that they develop a desire to explore and learn about their surroundings. Parents who actively participate in children’s activities help build their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Parents should not hide failures from their children, because it is important for them to know that everyone makes mistakes.
Encouragement
Encouragement helps children strive to do their best and enjoy the process of achievement. Trying new activities teaches children about teamwork, self-esteem, and new skills.
Playtime
Playtime is as important to a child’s development as food and good care, because play teaches children to be creative, to learn problem-solving skills, and to have self-control. Running and exercise help children be physically and mentally healthy. By playing with others, children discover their strengths and weaknesses, develop a sense of belonging, and learn how to get along with others. Parents can be playmates, too; playing a board game or coloring with a child gives parents a great opportunity to share ideas and spend time together in a relaxed setting. This also helps teach children that winning is not as important as being involved and enjoying the activity. One of the most important questions to ask children is “Did you have fun?” not “Did you win?”
Guidance and Discipline
Parents should provide appropriate guidance and discipline because children need the opportunity to explore and develop new skills and independence. At the same time, they need to learn that certain behavior is unacceptable, and that they are responsible for the consequences of their actions.
Parents should be fair and consistent, being firm, kind, and realistic. Nagging, threats, and bribery should be avoided.
When to Seek Help
Caregivers are usually the first to notice if a child has problems with emotions or behavior. If a problem is suspected, parents should consult a pediatrician or mental health professional. The following signs may indicate the need for professional assistance or evaluation:
• decline in school performance
• poor grades despite strong efforts
• worry or anxiety
• repeated refusal to go to school or take part in normal activities
• hyperactivity or fidgeting
• persistent nightmares
• persistent disobedience or aggression
• frequent temper tantrums
• depression, sadness, or irritability
• unconditional love
• self-confidence and high self-esteem
• the opportunity to play with other children
• encouraging teachers
• supportive caretakers
• safe surroundings
• guidance and discipline
Unconditional Love
For optimum mental health, a child should find love, security, and acceptance at home among the family. Children need to understand that their parents’ love does not depend on accomplishments, and mistakes should be expected and accepted.
Self-Confidence
A child becomes more confident in a family that expresses unconditional love and affection. Children should be praised and encouraged so that they develop a desire to explore and learn about their surroundings. Parents who actively participate in children’s activities help build their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Parents should not hide failures from their children, because it is important for them to know that everyone makes mistakes.
Encouragement
Encouragement helps children strive to do their best and enjoy the process of achievement. Trying new activities teaches children about teamwork, self-esteem, and new skills.
Playtime
Playtime is as important to a child’s development as food and good care, because play teaches children to be creative, to learn problem-solving skills, and to have self-control. Running and exercise help children be physically and mentally healthy. By playing with others, children discover their strengths and weaknesses, develop a sense of belonging, and learn how to get along with others. Parents can be playmates, too; playing a board game or coloring with a child gives parents a great opportunity to share ideas and spend time together in a relaxed setting. This also helps teach children that winning is not as important as being involved and enjoying the activity. One of the most important questions to ask children is “Did you have fun?” not “Did you win?”
Guidance and Discipline
Parents should provide appropriate guidance and discipline because children need the opportunity to explore and develop new skills and independence. At the same time, they need to learn that certain behavior is unacceptable, and that they are responsible for the consequences of their actions.
Parents should be fair and consistent, being firm, kind, and realistic. Nagging, threats, and bribery should be avoided.
When to Seek Help
Caregivers are usually the first to notice if a child has problems with emotions or behavior. If a problem is suspected, parents should consult a pediatrician or mental health professional. The following signs may indicate the need for professional assistance or evaluation:
• decline in school performance
• poor grades despite strong efforts
• worry or anxiety
• repeated refusal to go to school or take part in normal activities
• hyperactivity or fidgeting
• persistent nightmares
• persistent disobedience or aggression
• frequent temper tantrums
• depression, sadness, or irritability
Tags: children, develop socially, Good mental health, learn new skills, Mental Health, think clearly
Posted in Health and Wellness
