Caring for Your Child’s Mental Health
Introduction
Mental health is also a concern for children.
As carers and guardians, we all want to make sure that we are there to support our children.
We know there are times when our children conceal things from us or are unable to express their feelings clearly. This is where it becomes our job to notice any changes that may occur.
We yearn for our children to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.
We will be looking at ways to ensure that our children’s mental health, stays positive. Furthermore, we will also begin discussing how to identify mental health issues in children.
How can we support our children?
There are numerous ways to help support our children mentally. These are small actions, that can make a big difference to their mental health.
Listen.
The simplest action that we can do, is to listen.
Asking about your child’s day, and listening to them, allows the child to feel that you care. They would become more active in expressing themselves, knowing someone has taken an interest in their day-to-day life.
Involvement in their life
You need to be involved in their life. Children want to feel your existence. Your child needs your attention.
Showing interest in what they do, and knowing what their interests are, allows strong bonds to form. Take time to involve yourself in child-parent activities.
By being involved, the children would feel cherished and important in your life.
Keeping yourself in touch with your child’s life, will make it easier to spot changes in behaviour, or problems. You are then able to support them appropriately.
Taking their words seriously
All children want to be heard. The worst thing you can do, is to brush off your child’s words.
Sometimes, listening is not the same as understanding.
By valuing what your child says, it makes them feel heard. They would feel their opinions and views are taken seriously.
By valuing their voice, the children are more likely to listen to their carer’s advice on how to regulate their emotions effectively in speech.
Support in difficulty
Give attention to your child, for any changes in behaviour or their emotional state. This way, you will be able to support them through it.
A child may not understand why their emotions and behaviour are out of their control.
You should take the time to explain what they are feeling and why. In this way, they can adapt and adjust their emotions easier.
Encouragement towards their interests
Participating in activities, or getting creative, are ways that children can develop their mental health.
Learning new things, and working as part of a team, develops the child’s communication with others.
It is good to encourage the children to follow their interests, regardless of what they are.
Positive Routines
Establishing routines, can really help in your child’s mental health.
Encourage healthy eating and explain, in simple words, why it is good for them (e.g., carrots help you see better, or milk makes your bones stronger).
Regular exercise promotes better health, both physically and mentally.
Keeping a sleep schedule, allows the child to sleep the recommended amount, between 8 – 12 hours.
The brain needs to sleep, and once it has enough, your child will be in a better mood. It also makes them more active.
How to spot your child’s mental health issues
Some children can start exhibiting signs of behavioural or emotional issues, while growing up.
This can cause worry to develop about the health of their child.
For most, time will settle the problems. But a minority of these children, can need some professional support.
Sometimes, it is hard to know when your child is upset, but some signs can tell you if there is a problem.
– A significant difference in behaviour
– A difficulty sleeping
– Withdrawn attitude
– Avoiding activities, they generally like.
– Self-harm, or
– Neglecting their wellbeing (e.g., refusing to eat)
An important thing to remember:
Everyone has times when their emotions fluctuate and lose control for a moment. But once this situation keeps repeating numerous times, that is when it might be time to seek professional help.