Ways Parents Can Boost Their Child’s Mental Well-Being : Mental health awareness has increased significantly over the past few decades; today, we have the knowledge and tools to tackle these problems effectively. As today’s fast-paced, competitive life is catching up with people from all walks of life, as adults, we have the resources to identify our mental health problems and take corrective action to fix them; the situation is hardly the same for children.
Without the capacity to regulate their emotions, it is easy for children to fall victim to stress, depression, and anxiety.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that 80% of American students admit they are stressed.
If you’re a parent worried about your child’s mental health, here are four ways to boost their mental well-being.
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Help Find a Creative Outlet
Humans need art and creativity in their lives to feel fulfilled and happy. A great way to boost your child’s mental health is to help them find their creative outlet. Pay attention to your child and figure out what makes them happy.Do they like to sing along with the radio in the car, or do they most enjoy immersing themselves in the imaginary world of Hogwarts and Narnia?
Once you figure this out, help your child hone their skills so they can enjoy their hobby even more. For instance, if your little one loves music, enroll them in music classes for kids so they can learn how to sing and play their favorite instruments.
You might be skeptical about this, but studies have proven that creative activities improve mental health. For example, music helps reduce burnout, art fosters relaxation, and reading alleviates stress. Therefore, by finding a creative outlet, your child can connect with their inner artist and feel happier and relaxed.
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Model Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Children learn more by observing than by any other thing. As a parent, you have to be mindful that your child will aim to imitate everything you do as a reflex action throughout their lives. Therefore, you must model healthy behaviors in times of stress and trouble so your child learns how to manage problems maturely.We have all had moments of weakness; however, you must consciously practice healthy actions in front of your child.
Instead of indulging in bad habits when depressed, try to distract yourself with mundane activities. Some people like to work with their hands, bake, and paint. Others want to engage in physical activity and go for a run, and some like giving words to their feelings and resort to journaling and writing.
This will teach your child to manage emotions instead of succumbing to negative feelings. By learning healthy coping mechanisms by example, your child will be able to handle their negative emotions positively, which will boost their mental well-being.
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Become their Friend
Growing children have to deal with many issues daily, such as peer pressure, puberty, academic stress, and bullying. This can make a child feel overwhelmed and isolated, leading to depression and anxiety.
As a parent, this time is also tricky since you must deal with the behavioral changes, anger, and negativity that most kids project. However, a healthy relationship with their parents is one of the most important things a child needs at this stage.You must understand that your child is getting older and dealing with new emotions and experiences. What they need at this point is not a parental figure who is resistant to the changes they are experiencing.
Instead, they need a friend they can trust, rely on, and connect with. You have to make a conscious effort to be that friend. At times, the parent in you will want to reprimand your child for the things you learn, but by leaning on your friend persona, lend an empathetic ear and try to understand them at their level.
However, remember that you have to be the friend to your kid, not the other way around. With you on the giving side, this relationship needs an unequal proportion of give-and-take.
Your child has enough to deal with independently and mustn’t be burdened with your problems too. Use the unconditional love you harbor for your child and convert it into being the best friend they can ever have.
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Identify their Cries for Help
As parents, you have to deal with a million responsibilities every day, which can make it easy to miss signs of mental health issues in your child. Therefore, paying close attention to changes in your child’s behavior is essential.
The common signs of mental health struggles in children include:-
- Anxious and fidgety behavior, i.e., inability to relax;
- Aggression and anger lead to unusually stubborn behavior;
- New fears or the recurrence of old worries (e.g., fear of the dark);
- Unexplained physical discomforts such as headaches or stomachaches;
- Lack of interest in recreational activities and hobbies and decreased appetite;
- Nightmares, disturbed sleep, or sudden bedwetting;
- Clingy and insecure behavior.
If your child displays such behavior, make it a point to get them the professional help they need while offering whatever support you can as a parent. Remember that unless these problems are caught early on, they can lead to deep-rooted behavioral issues as an adult.
Therefore, don’t wait before taking your child to therapy so they can get the treatment and medication they need.
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Conclusion
Parenting is anything but easy, and every day is a new challenge. However, any parent will tell you that for their child, they happily deal with whatever trials await them each day in a heartbeat. As a parent, you will do all you can to protect your child; ensuring your child’s mental health isn’t affected is part of that.
With the above guidelines, you can ensure that any mental health problems your child experiences are addressed so they can grow into well-rounded adults.
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