Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Prize-winning Indian poet, once famously remarked that "Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man".
Indeed, there can be no blessing more significant than a happy and healthy child, full of hopes and aspirations for the future. However, as it becomes increasingly difficult to cope with the challenges that face our world, our children need us now, more than ever.
Globally, the child mental health expenditure is pegged at $247 billion, making it a public health crisis. With the right support system, most mental health issues can be prevented or dealt with effectively.
And, that’s why, in this post, we will tell you about the steps you can take to protect your child’s mental health.
The Things You Can Do to Ensure Children’s Mental Well-Being
While a hug may not mean much to you, it can make a world of difference to children's self-esteem. Similarly, what we say, and how we behave can also have a lasting impact on them. Here are a few things you can do to boost your child's mental health.
- Listen to What They Have to Say
Children love expressing themselves. And, when you listen to them patiently, they feel loved, accepted and validated. If a child wants to tell you something, please lend them your ears. Maybe your child wants to tell you about their favourite cartoon character.
Or, maybe, they want to tell you about their school colouring activity that they enjoyed. Nothing makes a child happier than when their parent, teacher or caregiver actively listens to what they have to say.
- Practise the Art of Positive Affirmation
This works wonders on people of all ages, and especially on children. Never lose an opportunity to tell your children how wonderful they are. Actively encourage them in all their endeavours. For instance, here’s a list of affirmations you can use:
- You are amazing
- I am very proud of you
- You are such a wonderful child
- Did you do this? How incredible! You are so talented!
- I love you so much
Never underestimate the impact that your kind, encouraging words can have on children. It will boost their self-confidence, improve their self-esteem, make them feel accepted, and motivate them. Even young people can benefit significantly from self-affirmations.
- Don’t Compare Them with Others
Please don’t ever compare your child with others. Every child is unique in their own way, and comparison will only make them feel demotivated and upset. Don't ask your children to emulate someone else or live up to a standard. This will only pressure them.
Instead, let them know that they can become whoever they want with hard work and independent thinking. Even the sky is not a limit for them.
Help them carve a path for themselves instead of asking them to follow the crowd. Always let your child know that they're your champion and that you love them for who they are.
- Lend a Helping Hand
Irrespective of whether it’s a toddler, infant or a young adolescent – they all need to be helped, guided and comforted – from time to time. It can be the act of soothing a crying baby with a lullaby.
It can be you talking with your child and letting them know that everything will be alright. Or, it can involve you arranging for your adolescent to meet with a therapist. It is essential to help and support children when they face difficulties.
Knowing that they're not alone will automatically make them feel better, physically and mentally.
- Gratitude is a Wonderful Thing
A Journal of Psychology study found that children who are taught to be grateful are automatically happier, healthier and have a positive attitude towards things.
When you practise gratitude with your children, you're essentially leading them to a path of fulfilment, improved well-being and a sense of community. Further, it's an excellent way to teach them the importance of values like empathy, forgiveness and kindness.
Wrapping Up
The mental health issues facing the children and youth of today are numerous – anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD and ADHD, to name a few.
But, if we, as parents, teachers and caregivers, join forces, we can definitely create a healthier, happier and safer space for our children.
At AngelEze, the products are crafted with love, dedication and patience that every child in the world deserves.
From toys to baby care products, parents and caregivers are bound to find something they can use in their efforts to support the cause of children’s mental health.
