Promoting Your Child’s Mental Health

It is easy for parents to see a child’s physical needs–nutritious meals; safe shelter; clothing; enough rest and physical activity; immunizations; and a healthy living environment. However, a child’s mental and emotional needs may not be as obvious. Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially, learn new skills, build self-esteem, and develop a positive outlook on life.

These are the basics for a child’s good mental health:

• Give children unconditional love.
  Children need to know that your love does not depend on their accomplishments.
• Nurture children’s confidence and self-esteem.
  Praise and encourage them. Set realistic goals for them. Be honest about your mistakes. Avoid sarcasm.
• Encourage children to play.
  Play time is as important to a child’s development as food. Play helps children be creative, develop problem-solving skills and self-control, and learn how to get along with others.
• Enroll children in an after school activity, especially if they are otherwise home alone after school.
  This is a great way for kids to stay productive, learn something new, gain self-esteem and have something to look forward to during the week.
• Provide a safe and secure environment.
  Fear can be very real for a child. Try to find out what is frightening him/her. Be patient and reassuring, not critical.
• Give appropriate guidance and discipline when necessary.
  Be firm, but kind and realistic with your expectations. The goal is not to control the child, but to help him or her learn self-control.
• Check in on children after school has ended if they’re home alone.
  Take a minute to call them from the office. Children need to know that even if you’re not there physically, you’re thinking about them, and interested in how they spent their day and how they’ll spend the rest of it.
• Communicate.
  Make time each day after work and school to listen to your children and talk with them about what is happening in their lives. Share emotions and feelings with your children.

Changes in behavior or emotions are early warning signs. If you notice a change, take these steps: 

• Ask your child: What’s the matter? What’s on your mind? How can I help?
• Then really listen to your child’s response. Just being able to talk about it can relieve much of the stress and pressure.
• Get help.  Children’s mental health problems are real, common and treatable. If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, consult with teachers, a guidance counselor or another adult who may have information about his or her behavior. If you think there is a problem, seek professional help. Early identification and treatment can help children with mental health problems reach their full potential. Left untreated, mental health problems impact the child’s relationships with their families, their friends, and their performance at school.