Views:531 | By: Becky | Act: Visit Business The health of a child plays an internal part in their development. The unfortunate thing about health is the constant concentration on physical health. As we establish a relationship between physical and mental health parents must establish concern for mental wellness since it can hinder physical wellness if not observed.
What is mental health?
Mental health can be defined as mental wellness that helps individuals cope with stressful events. Unfortunately, when looking at children we always assume that stress is not a worry due to their young age. It is important to note that stressful events do not happen but are events that interfere with the emotional well-being of a child. Children can be stressed by refusal to hug them, an argument with a friend, been laughed at. These factors are minor but may cause discomfort in a young child. Therefore how can we support a child's mental health? There are ways in which we can ensure a child's mental health is prioritized.
1. Acknowledging an achievement no matter how small it is. Children need affirmation to feel they are performing. Although the little things they do are daily events when a child feels that what they have done is recognized they gain confidence and feel loved.
2. Spend time together. Being available for your child may seem to be a simple gesture but can be equated by a child as love. It is therefore important that a parent creates time for their child.
3. Communicate regularly. By talking to children we allow them to feel that they can speak up. We can choose to talk about issues of the sun, and the sky but allowing your child to communicate with you gives them the confidence to speak to you as well.
4. Keep your word. Children are often promised things as a result of their actions. This shows that the child can achieve a reward for their actions. As we make promises try and establish achievable promises to ensure that the promise is kept. This helps the child learn to trust in you. If the trust is nonexistent children may gain trust issues which in turn affects their emotional well-being.
5. Recognize their fears
Children often fear the most irrational things. Being able to recognize it and accept their fear as real can help them build confidence. Demeaning these fears can lead to the destruction of trust.
Looking at all these things one thing is clear, the emotional well-being of a child can be affected by simple events. This also means it takes small steps to provide support.
Remember, their no cheat sheets for parenting, each day at a time make the best effort.