Your Children’s Good Mental Health Begins with Good Parenting
Your Children’s Good Mental Health Begins with Good Parenting
“The World Health Organization defines general health as “physical, mental and social well-being”.
Every parents need to be as worried of a child’s mental status as they are of a child’s physical condition. It all starts with understanding what constitutes children’s good mental health. Good mental health goes beyond the absence of mental illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being that involves:
- Being able to recognize a person’s own abilities
- Coping with normal stressors
- Working productively
- Contributing to society
As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s mental health:
- You can promote good mental health by the things you say and do, and through the environment you create at home.
- You can also learn about the early signs of mental health problems and know where to go for help.
Why Is Children’s Good Mental Health Important?
The “good mental health” of a child is a very elusive concept, because kids are always changing. As children grow older, they learn to compare what they see in themselves to what they see in others in their world. Being a child in today’s world is in some respects far more challenging than years before.
Teachers and school administrators have seen the ramifications of systems that ignore a child’s mental health needs. These systems are being challenged to change so that they can increase the well-being of every student.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “10-20% of children and adolescents experience mental disorders.” WHO offers a few other insights to consider.
- 50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14.
- 75% occur by the mid-20s
- Neuropsychiatric conditions are the leading cause in many regions.
What Can Parents Do to Raise Awareness of and Help Prevent Mental Health Problems?
Parents, teachers, and other caregivers can seek guidance from trained psychiatrists. It’s important for children and youth to have strong relationships with family and friends. Spend some time together each night around the dinner table. We have figured out certain points for parents.
Give children unconditional love.
Love, security and acceptance should be at the heart of family life.
Praise them and develop their self-esteem.
Praise them when they do well. Recognize their efforts as well as what they achieve. Be an active participant in their activities. Your attention helps build their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Set Realistic Goals.
Young children need realistic goals that match their ambitions with their abilities.
Be honest.
Most importantly, do not hide your failures from your children. It is important for them to know that we all make mistakes.
Listen, and respect their feelings.
Listen to what they say or want to say.Keep communication and conversation flowing by asking questions and listening to your child. Mealtime can be a good time for talking.
In difficult situations, help children and youth solve problems.
Teach your child how to relax when they feel upset. This could be deep breathing, doing something calming (such as a quiet activity they enjoy), taking some time alone, or going for a walk.
Dr. Parth Vaishnav shares tips and explains how parenting helps shaping children’s mental health.
If you are a parent and concerned about your child’s mental health, talk to us.
